Living in a rented home that’s damp, mouldy or unsafe isn’t just frustrating—it can damage your health, your belongings and your finances. If your landlord has ignored repairs, you may be entitled to compensation and works to put things right. This guide explains your rights in Longwell Green (South Gloucestershire), what evidence to gather, likely compensation ranges, and how National Claims can help you take action today.
If you’re renting in Longwell Green and your landlord won’t fix damp, mould, leaks, heating or electrical hazards, you can pursue repairs and compensation. Government guidance confirms landlords must repair hazards; Awaab’s Law now sets strict timelines for serious risks. Gather photos, medical notes and correspondence, then speak to National Claims for a no-obligation assessment and to start your claim.
What Counts as Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair covers faults your landlord is legally responsible for fixing, such as:
- Damp and mould growth, persistent condensation, or leaks
- Broken heating or hot water, faulty electrics, unsafe gas appliances
- Structural issues (cracks, rotten windows/doors, damaged roofs)
- Defective drainage, damaged plaster, and pest infestations
In England, landlords must keep the structure and exterior in repair and ensure installations for heating, water, gas and electricity are safe. Tenants should report problems promptly and continue paying rent, but you cannot be forced to do the landlord’s repairs.
New enforcement timelines you should know (Awaab’s Law)
As of 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law imposes strict response times for serious health and safety hazards. For emergency hazards, landlords must make the property safe within 24 hours; for significant damp and mould, they must investigate within 10 working days and make the home safe within five working days, with written updates after inspections.
Although introduced for social landlords, this standard sets a clear benchmark for urgent damp and mould complaints across the sector and signals tougher expectations for all landlords.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Longwell Green
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 is a crucial piece of legislation that sets out the minimum standards a rented property must meet. This means your landlord has a legal obligation to ensure your home is:
- Free from damp: This includes addressing any underlying causes of damp, not just treating the symptoms.
- Structurally sound: This means dealing with any cracks or other structural issues that could pose a safety risk.
- Safe from hazards: This covers a range of issues from exposed wiring to faulty appliances.
- Well-maintained: This includes regular checks and maintenance of the heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Pest-free: Your landlord must take steps to deal with any pest infestations.
How to Take Action Against Housing Disrepair
If you’re experiencing housing disrepair in Longwell Green, there are several steps you can take:
- Report the issue to your landlord: This is the first step, and it’s essential to do so in writing, keeping a copy for your records.
- Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of the disrepair, and keep any relevant documents like medical records if the disrepair is impacting your health.
- Seek advice: If your landlord fails to take action, seek advice from a housing charity or legal professional.
- Formal complaint: If the issue remains unresolved, consider making a formal complaint to the council’s environmental health department.
- Legal action: In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action against your landlord. This is where seeking professional legal advice is crucial.
The Importance of Taking Action
Living in a property with disrepair can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. Damp and mould can exacerbate respiratory problems, while faulty heating can lead to hypothermia in extreme cases. The stress of living in a substandard property can also take a toll on your mental wellbeing.
Taking action is not just about enforcing your rights as a tenant; it’s about protecting your health and wellbeing. By understanding your rights and taking the necessary steps, you can ensure your home is a safe and healthy place to live.
Step-by-Step: What to do this week
Anytime: Contact National Claims for a quick assessment—we’ll advise on evidence, schedule an expert survey and start your claim.
Day 1–2: Email your landlord/agent with a dated description and photos. Request a written response and timescale.
Day 3–7: Start a symptom diary; book a GP appointment if you have cough, wheeze, chest tightness, skin irritation or headaches.
Week 2: If hazards are serious (e.g., widespread mould, no heating in cold weather, unsafe electrics), reference the new 24-hour and 10-day investigation framework when chasing.
Making a Difference in Longwell Green
The problem of housing disrepair in Longwell Green is not one that can be solved overnight. It requires a concerted effort from tenants, landlords, and local authorities. However, by knowing your rights and taking action, you can make a difference, not just for yourself but for other tenants in the community.
Remember, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you, from housing charities to legal professionals. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. By working together, we can create a Longwell Green where everyone has the right to a safe and decent home.
Making a Housing Disrepair Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we recognise the profound impact that living in a state of disrepair can have on your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’ve been affected by persistent dampness and mould, endured the discomfort of a faulty heating system, or suffered due to structural deficiencies in your home, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
Need Help With Compensation Claim?
🚀 Start Your Claim TodayWe recognise that every housing disrepair case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, carefully review any evidence you have, and assess the potential strength of your claim. Our team will then connect you with a solicitor from our panel who specialises in housing disrepair claims.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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About National Claims
This article was written by the National Claims content team. Our specialists have years of experience helping people across the UK with personal injury, road traffic accident, and housing disrepair claims. We work alongside regulated solicitors to ensure our information is accurate, up-to-date, and genuinely useful for anyone seeking to understand their rights after an accident.
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