Housing Disrepair, Damp and Mould: Your Rights in Greenwich
Tenants and landlords in Greenwich are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England when it comes to housing disrepair, damp, and mould issues. This guide covers your rights under national laws like the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) and explains how recent changes like Awaab's Law in the Renters' Rights Act 2025 affect private renters specifically.
Currently, housing disrepair is a pressing issue in Greenwich. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 has set new standards for habitable conditions, but many properties still suffer from poor maintenance and structural issues that can lead to health problems such as asthma and respiratory infections due to damp and mould.
What the Law Says
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) states that landlords must maintain their rental property in good repair. This includes ensuring there are no serious disrepair issues like structural damage, roof leaks, or defective plumbing. Additionally, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires properties to be fit for human habitation at all times, covering areas like damp and infestation control.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced Awaab's Law specifically for private renters, aimed at ensuring quicker resolution of disrepair issues. This law mandates that landlords must address any significant defects within a reasonable timeframe, typically no more than 14 days for urgent repairs like damp and mould affecting health.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
Awaab's Law under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 provides tenants with stronger protections against disrepair. Greenwich requires landlords to address urgent issues, such as damp and mould that can cause serious health problems, within a strict timeframe of two weeks from when you report them. The law also allows for rent deductions if necessary repairs aren't completed in this period.
Under Awaab's Law, tenants have the right to take legal action against their landlord if disrepair is ignored or inadequately addressed, which can include compensation claims and even eviction proceedings against negligent landlords. This provision aims to ensure that all rented properties meet minimum health and safety standards.
What This Means for Tenants in Greenwich
Tenants in Greenwich are entitled to repairs under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) for issues such as leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, and structural damage. These responsibilities don't fall solely on tenants who might mistakenly believe that they need to handle minor maintenance tasks themselves.
Under Awaab's Law in the Renters' Rights Act 2025, damp and mould are considered urgent health hazards, requiring landlords to address these issues within two weeks of being notified. This law provides clearer guidelines for when repairs should be made and what steps tenants can take if their landlord doesn't comply.
Your Next Steps If You Need Help in Greenwich
If you need assistance with disrepair or damp/mould issues, start by contacting your landlord directly to request the necessary repairs. Keep a written record of all communications including dates, times, and details of problems reported. If your landlord fails to respond or resolve the issue within 14 days as mandated under Awaab's Law, you may need to seek further advice.
The Citizens Advice service offers free legal advice on housing issues, which can be particularly useful for understanding your rights in more detail. The Shelter organisation also provides specialist support and guidance specific to tenant rights. Additionally, Greenwich council has a dedicated housing team that can offer assistance with disrepair complaints or even serve improvement notices if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Believing Minor Repairs Are Your Responsibility: Many tenants mistakenly think they must fix minor issues like squeaky doors or loose floorboards themselves. In reality, landlords are responsible for most repairs under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11).
- Not Documenting Issues Properly: Failing to keep detailed records of communication with your landlord about disrepair can weaken your case if you need to take legal action later.
- Waiting Too Long Before Taking Action: Delays in addressing disrepair issues can worsen the problem and affect your health. Under Awaab's Law, tenants shouldn't wait longer than two weeks after reporting urgent problems like damp or mould before taking further steps.
When to Get Professional Advice
If you find yourself unable to resolve a disrepair issue despite following all legal procedures and contacting relevant authorities. Consulting with a regulated solicitor may be necessary. They can provide professional guidance tailored specifically to your situation and help you explore options such as compensation claims against negligent landlords. Always check directly with Greenwich council or speak to free advice services like Citizens Advice before taking any legal action.