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Posted on February 23, 2026 by SheldonDavidsonSolicitors
COMPENSATION WON
£2,000
Ms. R is a tenant in Sheffield who began experiencing widespread disrepair affecting several areas of her home. The issues were not confined to a single room: defects were present across the property, including key access points, living spaces and utility areas.
By November 2025, the problems had become serious and persistent enough that Ms. R instructed SDS Solicitors to help protect her right to a safe, habitable home and to ensure the landlord took meaningful action.
I would highly recommend Daisy and the firm to anyone dealing with housing disrepair or a similarly stressful legal issue. Thank you, Daisy.
On instruction, SDS Solicitors reviewed the issues reported and supported Ms. R in documenting the extent of the disrepair. The problems included:
The front door was defective, with no draught excluder and noticeable draught entering the living room. There was also defective sealant, allowing water ingress.
In the kitchen/utility area, there was a missing base board to the dishwasher and no extractor fan. While a window could be opened, this was not adequate to prevent unnecessary smoke and ventilation issues during cooking.
The basement utility area presented particular concern. There was defective liner flooring with mould staining, fungus growth from skirting boards and flooring, and a pungent mould smell, indicating ongoing damp conditions and a potentially unhealthy environment.
On the first floor, Ms. R reported a leak affecting Bedroom 2, with a defective ceiling and water penetration. The property also had defective window glazing/sealant, causing draughts and visible gapping — Ms. R could place her finger through the sealant, highlighting the severity of the defect.
Further defects included lifting carpet in Bedroom 3, a defective bathroom light linked to a historic leak, a defective window catch in Bedroom 4, and defective sealant around an attic window frame, again allowing draughts.
The en suite contained cracked, sharp tiles associated with a historic leak, creating a safety risk in addition to the underlying disrepair. Ms. R also reported a roof leak, allowing water penetration into Bedroom 2.
Externally, the decking was defective, with rotting wood that created a safety hazard for Ms. R and her pets.
Living with disrepair of this scale was extremely stressful for Ms. R. Persistent draughts, water ingress and damp-related issues affected her comfort and day-to-day enjoyment of her home. The mould and fungus in the basement utility area, alongside the strong smell, caused particular worry and disruption, especially given the association between damp conditions and health concerns.
The combination of leaks, electrical defects linked to historic water damage, and sharp cracked tiles also created ongoing anxiety about safety within the property.
Once instructed, SDS Solicitors took a structured and proactive approach to progress the matter efficiently. The team supported Ms. R to gather clear evidence of the disrepair across the property and ensured the landlord was formally put on notice of the full scope of defects.
SDS Solicitors pressed for appropriate action and maintained consistent communication with Ms. R throughout, explaining each stage in plain terms and ensuring she remained fully informed. Where needed, SDS Solicitors challenged delays and sought a practical resolution that prioritised safety, habitability and accountability.
The matter was successfully resolved, with £2,000 compensation secured for Ms. R in recognition of the distress and inconvenience caused by the disrepair.
This case highlights how important it is for tenants to seek advice when defects are widespread, persistent, or involve damp, mould and water penetration. Early legal support can help ensure landlords take their obligations seriously and that tenants are treated fairly when their home has fallen below acceptable standards.
“This case involved multiple defects across the property, including damp-related issues and water ingress. It required persistence to ensure the client’s safety and wellbeing were prioritised. SDS Solicitors is pleased to have secured a fair outcome and brought the matter to a resolution.”
“I instructed Daisy in November 2025 regarding serious disrepair issues affecting multiple areas of my home, and I am incredibly happy with the service I received and how quickly the matter was resolved. There were significant problems throughout the property, including a defective front door allowing draughts and water ingress, mould and fungus in the basement utility area, a roof leak causing water penetration into a bedroom ceiling, defective window seals causing major draughts, damaged flooring and carpets, bathroom electrics affected by a historic leak and cracked tiles in the ensuite. Living with these issues was extremely stressful. From the outset, Daisy handled the matter with professionalism and care. She explained everything clearly, kept me fully informed, and made sure I understood each step of the process. I never felt pressured or confused, which made a very difficult situation much easier to manage. I am very pleased with the outcome of my claim and grateful for how efficiently it was brought to a resolution. The service was professional throughout, and the fees were fair and transparent. I would highly recommend Daisy and the firm to anyone dealing with housing disrepair or a similarly stressful legal issue. Thank you, Daisy.”
“I instructed Daisy in November 2025 regarding serious disrepair issues affecting multiple areas of my home, and I am incredibly happy with the service I received and how quickly the matter was resolved.
There were significant problems throughout the property, including a defective front door allowing draughts and water ingress, mould and fungus in the basement utility area, a roof leak causing water penetration into a bedroom ceiling, defective window seals causing major draughts, damaged flooring and carpets, bathroom electrics affected by a historic leak and cracked tiles in the ensuite. Living with these issues was extremely stressful.
From the outset, Daisy handled the matter with professionalism and care. She explained everything clearly, kept me fully informed, and made sure I understood each step of the process. I never felt pressured or confused, which made a very difficult situation much easier to manage.
I am very pleased with the outcome of my claim and grateful for how efficiently it was brought to a resolution. The service was professional throughout, and the fees were fair and transparent.
I would highly recommend Daisy and the firm to anyone dealing with housing disrepair or a similarly stressful legal issue. Thank you, Daisy.”
If you are living with damp & mould, leaks, faulty electrics, unsafe flooring, or other unresolved repairs, SDS Solicitors can help. The team offers a supportive, client-focused service and can pursue housing direpair claims on a No Win No Fee basis where appropriate.
SDS Solicitors supports clients across Manchester, including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield, and also acts for tenants nationwide across England.
