Environmental health complaints and the Ombudsman in Wigan
Tenants and landlords in Wigan 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 related to housing conditions that may affect their health and safety, as well as new avenues for resolving disputes through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (PRS Ombudsman). Whether you're dealing with damp or mould, electrical hazards, or other serious concerns, this information will help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
In 2026, tenants across England are seeing a growing need to address environmental health issues due to factors like climate change, increased urbanisation, and rising energy costs. The introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has significantly altered the situation for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector (PRS). Tenants now have better access to independent mediation and redress mechanisms through the PRS Ombudsman.
What the law says
The legal framework governing environmental health complaints is primarily set out by the Housing Act 2004. Which introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under Part 1. This system assesses housing conditions based on a range of hazards that may affect the health or safety of residents. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to take action against premises that are detrimental to public health.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced a new PRS Ombudsman scheme aimed at resolving disputes between tenants and landlords in the private rented sector. This legislation helps tenants to seek assistance from an independent body should they encounter issues related to their tenancy. Including environmental health complaints. The specific sections of the Housing Act 2004 relevant here include Section 1: Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and Section 68: Enforcement Notices.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 significantly enhances tenant protections by establishing a new PRS Ombudsman. This body offers an additional layer of redress for tenants who have exhausted other avenues, such as direct communication with their landlord or local authority intervention. Under the RRA 2025, if you report environmental health issues to Wigan council and they don't resolve your concerns adequately, you may escalate the matter to the PRS Ombudsman.
The Act also mandates that landlords must address Category 1 hazards identified by the HHSRS within a specified time frame. This is an important shift as it legally obligates landlords to improve substandard conditions that pose significant risks to tenants' health and safety.
What this means for tenants in Wigan
Tenants in Wigan should familiarise themselves with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to identify potential hazards in their homes. Category 1 hazards are those deemed to be of serious risk or likelihood, such as dampness and mould growth, electrical faults, gas leaks, asbestos exposure, and structural instability.
To report a Category 1 hazard, contact the Wigan environmental health team. You can do this by visiting their office, sending an email, or calling their dedicated helpline. Providing clear documentation of the issue-such as photos or videos-will strengthen your case and may lead to the council issuing improvement notices, prohibition notices, or hazard awareness notices.
Your next steps if you need help in Wigan
If you encounter environmental health issues in your rented home, start by documenting the problem thoroughly. Gather evidence such as photographs and notes detailing when and how often the issue occurs. Then, report it to your landlord directly, giving them a reasonable time (at least 7 days) to respond.
Should the landlord fail to address the matter promptly or adequately, contact Wigan council's environmental health team for further assistance. They can investigate the complaint and take enforcement action if necessary. Free advice services such as Citizens Advice and Shelter are also available to help you deal with your rights under the Housing Act 2004 and Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Common mistakes to avoid
Tenants often make the mistake of not reporting issues early enough. Which can lead to more serious health risks over time. Another common error is failing to provide adequate evidence when making a complaint. Without clear documentation, it may be difficult for Wigan council or the PRS Ombudsman to take action.
Landlords might overlook their legal obligations under the HHSRS, particularly regarding Category 1 hazards. Failing to address such issues within the required timeframe can result in penalties and further complications.
When to get professional advice
If your complaint involves complex legal issues or if you feel that the PRS Ombudsman isn't adequately addressing your concerns, speaking with a regulated solicitor may be beneficial. However, for most cases, free services like Citizens Advice and Shelter are sufficient. To find such support in Wigan, visit their local office or check their websites for contact information. Always remember to consult directly with Wigan council for any specific details regarding local policies or procedures.
