Environmental Health Complaints and the Ombudsman in St. Helens
Tenants and landlords in St. Helens are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England when it comes to environmental health complaints. This guide provides a clear understanding of what tenants can do if they face issues with mould, damp, or other hazards that affect their living conditions. St. Helens covers how to report these issues to local authorities and how recent legislative changes may support your rights.
In 2026, the environment in rental properties has become an increasingly critical issue. Tenants are now more aware of their rights under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which identifies potentially dangerous living conditions. The introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 further strengthens these protections by establishing a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, ensuring that tenants have an additional avenue to address landlord non-compliance with health and safety standards.
What the Law Says
The legal framework for environmental health complaints is primarily governed by the Housing Act 2004 (Part 1), which established the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This system assesses properties for potential hazards that can affect residents' health and safety. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 grants local authorities powers to intervene in cases of public nuisance or environmental harm.
Specifically, Section 62 of the Housing Act 2004 mandates local councils like St. Helens to take action against Category 1 hazards under HHSRS. These are serious risks that require immediate attention and can include issues such as gas safety defects, electrical faults, and excessive damp or mould conditions.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes for private renters, including the establishment of a new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Ombudsman. This ombudsman provides an independent resolution service for disputes between tenants and landlords regarding environmental health complaints that aren't resolved by local authorities.
Under Section 13 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants in St. Helens can now escalate their concerns to this new body if they feel that their landlord is neglecting issues that fall under HHSRS Category 1 hazards. This adds an additional layer of protection and support for tenants facing environmental health issues.
What This Means for Tenants in St. Helens
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) evaluates properties based on potential risks to residents' health and safety, categorising these into two levels: Category 1 and Category 2 hazards. Category 1 hazards are the most severe and require urgent attention from landlords.
If you face a hazard in your rental property-such as damp or mould affecting your health-you should report it immediately to St. Helens environmental health team. To do this, gather evidence such as photographs and any relevant documentation, then contact them via email or phone. The council may issue an improvement notice to the landlord, compelling them to fix the problem within a specified timeframe.
Your Next Steps if You Need Help in St. Helens
If you need assistance addressing environmental health complaints in your rental property, there are several steps you can take:
- Contact St. Helens Council: Start by reporting the issue directly to the local council's environmental health team.
- Gather Evidence: Collect any relevant documentation and photos that prove the nature of the hazard.
- Seek Free Advice Services: Organise a consultation with free advice services such as Citizens Advice or Shelter, which can provide guidance on your rights under HHSRS and other applicable laws.
- St. Helens Council Housing Team: You may also approach St. Helens council's housing team for additional support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Reporting Hazards Promptly: Delaying in reporting a Category 1 hazard can worsen the situation, potentially leading to health issues.
- Ignoring Legal Requirements: Failing to adhere to local laws and guidelines on environmental health could leave you vulnerable if disputes arise with landlords or councils.
- Overlooking Free Advice Services: Relying solely on online forums for guidance may lead to misinformation. Consulting free services like Citizens Advice ensures accurate advice tailored to your situation.
When to Get Professional Advice
It's wise to seek professional legal advice when dealing with complex issues that go beyond straightforward complaints or if you feel the local council hasn't acted appropriately regarding environmental health concerns. A regulated solicitor can provide detailed guidance on how to proceed, especially in cases where the problem persists despite initial efforts.
If a dispute arises and the situation is more serious, engaging a solicitor may be necessary. However, for less complicated issues, free advice services such as Citizens Advice or Shelter are typically sufficient. Always check directly with St. Helens council or these organisations to understand your options fully.
