Environmental Health Complaints and the Ombudsman in Reigate and Banstead
Quick answer: To report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions in Reigate and Banstead - 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 Reigate and Banstead are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England when it comes to environmental health complaints. This guide covers how tenants can address issues such as mould. Dampness, structural damage, or other health hazards that affect living conditions. Understanding your rights under these laws is important because environmental health concerns can significantly impact your quality of life and safety.
Right now in 2026, the focus on improving housing standards has intensified due to new legislation like the Renters' Rights Act 2025. These changes aim to provide more strong protections for tenants while ensuring landlords maintain their properties to a satisfactory standard. If you face environmental health issues that affect your living conditions. It's important to know how to deal with these laws effectively.
What the Law Says
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004 are important for addressing environmental health complaints. The HHSRS assesses properties based on specific risks to residents' health and safety, categorising them into two levels: Category 1 and Category 2 hazards. Category 1 hazards pose an immediate or serious risk.
The relevant sections of the Housing Act 2004 include Section 1; these laws help local councils like Reigate and Banstead to intervene when properties are deemed uninhabitable due to environmental health issues. This means that if your property has significant defects, you can report them to the council's environmental health team for further action.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (PRS Ombudsman) who handles disputes between tenants and landlords. If you have tried to resolve environmental health complaints directly with your landlord but encountered difficulties, the PRS Ombudsman can provide an impartial review of your case.
this Act strengthens provisions around repairs and maintenance in private tenancies. It ensures that landlords must address any hazards identified by the HHSRS promptly, especially those categorised as Category 1 risks. This means tenants are better protected against negligent or slow-acting landlords who fail to maintain their properties adequately.
What This Means for Tenants in Reigate and Banstead
When your home poses a significant health risk due to environmental issues like mould growth, dampness, structural defects, or other serious hazards, you may be dealing with Category 1 risks under the HHSRS. These are urgent situations that need immediate attention from both your landlord and the local council.
To report such issues to Reigate and Banstead's environmental health team, gather evidence of the problem-photographs, videos, and any relevant correspondence with your landlord-and submit a formal complaint. You can find contact details for reporting on the council's website or by calling their helpline.
Your Next Steps if You Need Help in Reigate and Banstead
If you encounter difficulties addressing environmental health issues on your own, start by contacting your local housing team at Reigate and Banstead council. They may offer free advice and assistance to help resolve disputes with landlords or provide information about applying for a repair order.
In addition to the council's services, organisations like Citizens Advice and Shelter can also provide valuable guidance. These organisations often have specific expertise in tenant rights and can advise on legal options and next steps if negotiations with your landlord fail.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Documenting Issues: Failing to gather evidence of environmental health issues can weaken your case when seeking assistance from the council or the PRS Ombudsman.
- Ignoring Warnings: If you receive a formal notice from the council about necessary repairs, ignoring it could result in fines for both landlord and tenant.
- Misunderstanding Your Rights: Assuming that all environmental health issues can be resolved through informal discussions with your landlord without understanding legal protections like the HHSRS or the Renters' Rights Act 2025 may leave you vulnerable.
When to Get Professional Advice
While free advice services such as Citizens Advice and Shelter are a good starting point, complex cases involving significant financial disputes or structural issues might require professional legal help. A regulated solicitor can provide tailored guidance and potentially represent your interests in formal proceedings if necessary. Always check with a solicitor or the relevant organisations directly to confirm what steps you may be entitled to take in your specific situation.
