Housing Disrepair, Damp and Mould: Your Rights in Rossendale
Tenants and landlords in Rossendale are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England. This means that tenants have legal rights to a safe and habitable home, regardless of where they live within the district. Issues like disrepair, damp, and mould can significantly impact living conditions and pose health risks, making it important for both parties to understand their responsibilities under current legislation.
In 2026, housing disrepair remains a pressing issue in Rossendale. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 have brought about significant changes, enhancing tenant protections against substandard living conditions. These laws aim to ensure that all private rental properties meet basic standards of habitability, addressing problems such as structural damage, heating inadequacies, and excessive damp or mould. Tenants in Rossendale must know their rights and how to enforce them effectively.
What the Law Says
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11), landlords have a statutory duty to ensure that their properties are fit for habitation from the outset of the tenancy and remain so throughout. This includes repairing structural elements, plumbing, heating systems, and ensuring safety against damp and mould.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 extends these obligations by setting out specific conditions that a property must meet to be considered habitable. These include structural stability, ventilation, sanitation, water supply, and protection from pests. The act establishes a legal framework through which tenants can challenge substandard conditions in court.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Awaab's Law) further strengthens these provisions by setting strict timeframes for landlords to address disrepair issues. For damp and mould specifically, Awaab's Law provides clear guidelines on what constitutes an acceptable timeframe for remedial action.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces specific provisions aimed at ensuring that private rental properties are fit for human habitation. Under this act, landlords must address disrepair issues promptly to prevent health hazards like damp and mould. Awaab's Law mandates that landlords take immediate action upon receiving a complaint about damp or mould. With clear deadlines to fix the issue.
The RRA 2025 requires landlords to make repairs within a reasonable timeframe after being notified of the problem. For example, if tenants report damp or mould issues due to faulty plumbing or ventilation systems, landlords must address these problems quickly to prevent further deterioration and health risks. The act also provides for financial penalties if landlords fail to comply with their legal obligations.
What This Means for Tenants in Rossendale
Tenants in Rossendale are entitled to a property that's structurally sound, well-ventilated, and free from damp or mould issues. Landlords must address any disrepair within the statutory deadlines set by Awaab's Law. For instance, if tenants report damp or mould caused by leaking pipes or poor ventilation, landlords have a legal obligation to repair these defects swiftly.
The Act ensures that all necessary repairs are the landlord's responsibility under statute, including those related to structural integrity and safety hazards like defective roofs or broken heating systems. Tenants should maintain detailed records of their complaints, ensuring they document dates, times, and any correspondence with the landlord regarding disrepair issues.
Your Next Steps if You Need Help in Rossendale
If you encounter housing disrepair issues in Rossendale, your first step is to contact your landlord directly via email or letter. Clearly outline the problems, including photos or videos as evidence. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable timeframe, reach out to the Rossendale council's environmental health team for an official inspection.
In addition to contacting local authorities, tenants can seek free advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice and Shelter. These services offer practical guidance on your rights under Awaab's Law and how to proceed with formal complaints or legal action if necessary. The Rossendale housing team is also available to assist with resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tenants often make the mistake of not keeping thorough records of their communication with landlords regarding disrepair issues, which can weaken any subsequent claim they may need to make. Another common error is failing to report issues promptly; waiting too long can lead to worsening conditions that are harder to resolve.
Landlords frequently err by neglecting to address minor repairs in a timely manner, believing these won't escalate into more serious problems. Ignoring tenant complaints about damp or mould can also result in legal penalties and negative reviews, impacting their ability to rent properties in the future.
When to Get Professional Advice
While many housing issues can be resolved through free advice services like Citizens Advice or Shelter, complex cases may require professional legal representation. If you have exhausted local council resources and your landlord has ignored multiple complaints, it might be wise to consult a regulated solicitor specialising in tenant law.
Before taking legal action, check with a solicitor or Shelter for your specific case to determine whether proceeding is advisable given the specifics of your situation. Seeking professional advice can help clarify your rights and guide you towards an effective resolution strategy while avoiding unnecessary costs and delays.
