Housing Disrepair, Damp and Mould: Your Rights in Torridge
Tenants and landlords in Torridge are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England, ensuring that all parties have clear obligations and rights when it comes to housing disrepair, damp, and mould. This guide focuses on what tenants need to know about these issues under current UK law, with a special emphasis on the recent Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Awaab's Law). In Torridge, as elsewhere in England, ensuring that rented properties are fit for human habitation is more critical than ever. With rising awareness of health risks associated with damp and mould, tenants must understand their rights to a safe living environment.
The topic has gained significant attention due to the tragic case of Awaab Ishak. Whose death highlighted the severe consequences of inadequate housing conditions. This has led to new legal protections for tenants who face disrepair issues that affect their health and safety. In 2026, it's important for residents in Torridge to be aware of these changes and know how to advocate effectively for improvements in their living conditions.
What the Law Says
The core statutes governing housing disrepair are the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act places a legal duty on landlords to maintain their properties in good repair. Ensuring that tenants live in safe and habitable conditions. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act further reinforces these obligations by requiring all homes to be fit for human habitation from day one and throughout the tenancy.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced Awaab's Law specifically for private rentals, which aims to ensure that properties are kept in a state of repair that doesn't endanger residents' health or safety. Under this law, landlords must maintain their properties to prevent issues like damp and mould, which can lead to serious health problems.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 enhances existing protections by setting stricter standards for disrepair in private rented homes. Awaab's Law mandates that landlords must address disrepair issues promptly. Particularly those related to damp and mould, which can have severe health implications if left unresolved. The Act also includes provisions for tenants to report disrepair directly to their local authority if the landlord fails to act within a reasonable timeframe.
Awaab's Law establishes clearer deadlines for repairs. For example, landlords must respond to complaints about damp and mould within 14 days and resolve them within 28 days of receiving the complaint or as per any earlier agreement between landlord and tenant. These changes provide tenants in Torridge with stronger tools to enforce their rights and improve living conditions.
What This Means for Tenants in Torridge
Under statute, landlords are always responsible for repairs that affect structural elements like roofs, walls, floors, windows, and doors; plumbing and heating systems; electrical installations; sanitation facilities; and gas appliances. These important maintenance tasks ensure the property remains structurally sound and safe to live in.
Awaab's Law mandates that tenants experiencing damp or mould issues can demand immediate action from their landlord within 14 days of reporting it. If the problem persists, tenants may be entitled to seek assistance from Torridge council's environmental health team, which can issue improvement notices to enforce compliance with housing regulations. This new law provides a clear pathway for tenants to ensure that necessary repairs are made promptly.
Your Next Steps if You Need Help in Torridge
If you encounter disrepair issues and your landlord doesn't address them, the first step is to document everything carefully. Take photographs or videos of the damage. Note dates and times of incidents, and keep a record of all communications with the landlord. If the landlord fails to respond adequately, contact Citizens Advice for free legal advice tailored specifically to housing problems.
Alternatively, you can approach Shelter directly by phone or online chat for expert guidance on dealing with your rights under Awaab's Law. Torridge council also maintains a dedicated housing team that tenants can reach out to report persistent disrepair issues and seek official intervention through improvement notices. This support network ensures that tenants have multiple avenues to resolve their concerns effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tenants often overlook the importance of documenting every interaction with landlords when reporting disrepair, which can weaken a case if it comes down to resolving disputes in court or mediation sessions. Another common mistake isn't seeking professional advice early enough; waiting too long may delay necessary repairs and exacerbate health issues.
Landlords frequently misunderstand their obligations under Awaab's Law by failing to address damp and mould within the mandated timeframes, which can lead to legal consequences if tenants report these violations to Torridge council. Both parties should familiarise themselves with local housing regulations to avoid such pitfalls.
When to Get Professional Advice
Tenants may be entitled to seek professional advice from a regulated solicitor or barrister for complex cases involving significant health risks or substantial financial disputes over repair costs. Free services like those offered by Citizens Advice and Shelter typically provide sufficient guidance in most straightforward situations, but more detailed legal matters often require the expertise of a solicitor.
When deciding whether to consult a professional lawyer, it's advisable to check with a solicitor first about your specific case. They can assess if you need further legal support based on the severity and nature of the disrepair issues impacting your tenancy in Torridge.
