Contacting Environmental Health: A Guide for Tenants

Living in a house with unsolved housing disrepair issues may be somewhat taxing, and at SilverOak Solicitors we know this. Luckily, tenants are entitled by UK law to a safe and healthy place to live. This article describes how local authorities can intervene, how the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) might assist, and what actions you might take to resolve dangerous living circumstances.

What Is the HHSRS?

Local authorities utilise the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to evaluate the safety of domestic dwellings. It points up risks that might compromise tenants’ health or safety. Legally, landlords have to keep their properties in compliance with safety criteria, and the HHSRS offers a structure for this enforcement.

What Are Housing Hazards?

Any problem on a property that can compromise bodily or mental health is known as a hazard. One could find:

• Fire Risks: Either malfunctioning electrical systems or inadequate fire alarms.
• Damp and Mould: Causes respiratory problems and structural damage.
• Temperature Extremes: Insufficient heating or insulation.
• Asbestos or Hazardous Gases: Like carbon monoxide from broken boilers.
• Accident Risks: Tripping hazards, electrical dangers, or structural collapse.

These dangers fall into either Category 1, most severe, or Category 2, less severe. Local authorities have to respond to Category 1 hazards. Actions on Category 2 hazards are discretionary.

When Should You Contact Environmental Health?

You can get in touch with the Environmental Health department of your local authorities should your landlord neglect to fix maintenance problems creating a health or safety risk.

Examples of situations that warrant action include:

• Persistent damp or mould despite landlord notification.
• Faulty locks endangering security.
• Unsafe communal areas in shared buildings.

Under the HHSRS, local authorities are obliged to look into allegations and carry property inspections when needed.

How Does an Inspection Work?

An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will tour your premises looking for dangers during an inspection. Should you live in a shared apartment or a high-rise structure, the examination could cover common areas and outside elements including cladding. The officer will evaluate the degree of threats and decide whether emergency response is required.

Should a hazard be found, the local government can notify the landlord either immediately or on a planned basis calling for repairs. These alerts consist of:

• Improvement Notices: Requiring particular repairs over a designated period.
• Prohibition orders: Restrict the usage of dangerous elements of a property.
• Emergency Measures: Acting immediately to remove hazards.

What If Your Landlord Refuses to Cooperate?

Should a landlord ignore notifications, the local government could punish them. Penalties could be penalties, a restriction on the landlord from renting homes, or the authority finishing repairs and reimbursed costs to the landlord.

Under exceptional circumstances, tenants can also seek a Rent Repayment Order via the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Should the landlord have a housing offence, tenants are entitled to recoupment of up to 12 months’ rent.

Can You Remain Anonymous?

You can ask that your local authorities keep your complaint private if you worry about reprisals from your landlord. Landlords cannot refuse Environmental Health Officer access during an examination, doing so is unlawful.

Eviction Risks and Tenant Rights

That being said, you should know that some landlords may try to kick out renters instead of fixing problems. Think about your living situation and whether you run the danger of being evicted before getting in touch with your local government. Particularly private tenants should get guidance regarding their rights to prevent retaliatory evictions.

Housing Disrepair Compensation Claims

Claims for housing disrepair let tenants hold their landlords responsible for not keeping a property in a safe and liveable state. You might be entitled to a claim if problems including damp, mould, poor heating, broken windows, or dangerous electrics have been notified to your landlord but still exist.

Under UK law, landlords are legally required to maintain structural integrity, water, and power as well as to rectify damage. A successful housing disrepair claim can assist residents in obtaining required repairs, recouping money losses (such as destroyed goods or higher energy expenses), and maybe seeking recompense for any health issues or discomfort generated.

Find more useful advice on article: What tenants regret not knowing about Housing Disrepair Claims to understand your rights and how to claim housing disrepair compensation.

How SilverOak Solicitors Can Help

SilverOak Solicitors offer professional legal advice on a Risk Free, No Win No Fee basis if you live in dangerous accommodation and your landlord neglects to act. We can help you navigate the Environmental Health contact process, learn your rights, and, if suitable, pursue compensation.

Get in touch right now for tailored guidance and help. To start, either complete our online form or call 020 8578 7778. Let our housing disrepair solicitors assist you to get the compensation you deserve. Avoid letting home conditions endanger your safety!