In a regulatory notice published in March 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing found that Haringey Council breached the Home Standard and, there was potential for serious detriment to tenants.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, which came into force in March 2019, has significantly impacted housing disrepair claims in the United Kingdom. This legislation was implemented to ensure that rental properties are maintained in a habitable condition, thereby protecting tenants' rights and well-being.

In Autumn 2017, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan launched an online database to name and shame landlords and lettings agents who exploit their tenants.

If you are a tenant living in a property suffering from disrepair that the landlord will not deal with, you will understand that there is an appeal to withholding your rent. The situation feels unfair, and you want to punish your landlord for not holding up their end of the tenancy agreement or use your rent as leverage to force their hand.

The new Tenant Satisfactions Measures (TSMs) will enable tenants to scrutinise their landlord’s performance and give landlords insight about where they can improve

When faced with housing disrepair issues, tenants may seek legal recourse to address the situation and claim compensation. Understanding the potential value of a housing disrepair claim is crucial for tenants to assess their options and seek appropriate remedies.

Mould is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places, normally caused by excess moisture in a building. Mould spores can be found everywhere and are released in their thousands and float in the air unseen. Signs of mould at home include fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, and a damp and musty smell.

From 1 June 2019, the Tenant Fees Act came into force. This prohibited landlords and agents from charging any fees to tenants, other than those ‘permitted’ by the Act. Any tenancy that is signed on or after 1 June must adhere to the new regulations.

On 26th February, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced new laws to ensure the protection of residents in social housing.

CEL Solicitors owner and founder Jessica Hampson sits down with housing disrepair advocate and campaigner, Kwajo Tweneboa.

23-year-old Kwajo has quickly transitioned from a regular student living in South London to become one of the UK's highest profile housing advocates, garnering attention across the political and business spectrum including from the likes of Michael Gove (ex-Housing and Planning Secretary) and Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur and Dragons Den).

In the pursuit of better living conditions for tenants, the UK has implemented several regulations and acts to protect their rights. Two important pieces of legislation that have greatly impacted housing disrepair claims are the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.

By law, your deposit must be placed in a tenancy deposit scheme (TDS) by your landlord within 30 days of receiving it and it must remain protected through the whole tenancy.

They can do this in any of the 3 government protection schemes

The Deposit Protection Service

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme

MyDeposits

Following the recent inquest into the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, the Government has now proposed to take action to ensure that no further deaths occur due to mould and damp in social housing properties. Awaab Ishak sadly died as a result of damp and mould in his home.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act implies an implied agreement in most tenancy agreements that the property will be fit for human habitation at the beginning of and throughout the tenancy.