Environmental Health Complaints and the Ombudsman in North Somerset
Quick answer: To report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions in North Somerset - such as damp, mould, vermin, broken heating or poor sanitation - contact the environmental health team at your local council. You can find the right council and its reporting route through GOV.UK: find your local council. Environmental health officers can inspect your home under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and, where a serious (Category 1) hazard is found, require your landlord to put it right under the Housing Act 2004.
Tenants and landlords in North Somerset are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England when it comes to environmental health complaints. This guide provides practical information on how tenants can address issues related to housing conditions that pose a risk to their health and safety. Such as mould, damp, and other hazardous living conditions. The topic is particularly relevant now in 2026. Given recent changes introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 aimed at improving the private rented sector (PRS).
The introduction of the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has streamlined dispute resolution processes for tenants. Tenants in North Somerset now have an additional avenue to seek redress when landlords fail to address environmental health complaints. This guide aims to help you understand your rights and how to effectively deal with these new systems.
What the Law Says
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under Section 1 of the Housing Act 2004 provide a legal framework for addressing health and safety hazards in rental properties. The HHSRS evaluates homes to identify potential risks, categorising these into two levels: Category 1 (severe risks requiring immediate action) and Category 2 (less severe but still needing attention). Landlords are required by law to ensure their properties meet the necessary standards under this system.
The key provisions in the Housing Act 2004 allow local authorities like North Somerset Council to issue improvement notices, prohibition orders, and hazard awareness notices when a property falls below the standard set out by HHSRS. These measures aim to compel landlords to make important repairs or modifications to improve living conditions for tenants.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced significant changes, including the establishment of a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (PRS Ombudsman). The PRS Ombudsman provides an alternative route for tenants to resolve disputes with landlords that can't be settled through direct negotiation or mediation. This includes complaints about environmental health issues such as poor ventilation and damp conditions.
Under the new legislation, the PRS Ombudsman can issue binding recommendations on how to address environmental hazards within a property, forcing both parties to adhere to the resolution. Additionally, tenants may now have access to legal aid for certain disputes related to housing standards and maintenance.
What This Means for Tenants in North Somerset
Tenants in North Somerset are entitled to live in properties that meet the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Category 1 hazard criteria, which include severe risks such as exposure to toxic substances, fire hazards, poor sanitation, and electrical issues. If you identify a health or safety issue that falls under HHSRS Category 1, it's important to report this to North Somerset's environmental health team.
To make a formal complaint, gather all relevant evidence-such as photos, videos, letters from previous attempts to resolve the issue with your landlord-and submit them to the council's environmental health department. The team can then evaluate the property and take appropriate action against the landlord if necessary, issuing improvement notices or prohibition orders to compel compliance.
Your Next Steps if You Need Help in North Somerset
If you encounter an environmental health concern that requires assistance beyond direct communication with your landlord, consider contacting local support services first. The Citizens Advice bureau can offer free advice on dealing with disputes and understanding your legal rights. Additionally, Shelter provides full guidance tailored specifically for housing issues.
North Somerset council also has a dedicated housing team that tenants can approach for help and information. This team may assist in mediating between you and your landlord or escalate the issue to environmental health if necessary. By using these resources, you can ensure that any environmental hazards are properly addressed and don't compromise your living conditions further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tenants often overlook the importance of gathering sufficient evidence before making a formal complaint. Ensure you document issues like mould growth with clear photos and videos detailing dates and locations. Another common mistake is failing to report issues promptly; delays may weaken your case as conditions worsen over time.
Landlords, meanwhile, might misunderstand their obligations under HHSRS. They should act swiftly on all Category 1 hazards reported by tenants and avoid issuing vague promises without concrete action plans. Both parties must adhere strictly to statutory requirements and seek professional advice if unsure about the legal implications of any actions taken or omissions made.
When to Get Professional Advice
If your environmental health complaint involves significant legal complexities, such as severe property damage or persistent non-compliance by a landlord, consulting with a regulated solicitor may be advisable. A solicitor can provide tailored advice on how to proceed and ensure that all actions comply with current legislation.
For most tenants, however, free services like North Somerset council's housing team or national organisations like Shelter should suffice in addressing simpler disputes. These bodies typically offer the necessary support without requiring legal representation, making them a valuable first point of contact before considering professional legal help. Always check directly with these sources for specific guidance tailored to your situation.
