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Posted on December 15, 2025 by SheldonDavidsonSolicitors
COMPENSATION WON
Ms. C was a long-term private tenant who had lived in the same rented property since December 2016. She resided there with her four children, all under the age of 18, and had remained in the property for over a decade under the same landlord, later experiencing a change of ownership.
Over the years, Ms. C sought to maintain the property herself where possible, despite facing increasing health challenges, including asthma, serious respiratory issues, and significant anxiety. The family depended on the property as their long-term home, but conditions steadily deteriorated.
By the time Ms. C contacted SDS Solicitors, the property was affected by extensive and longstanding disrepair. This included widespread damp and mould throughout multiple rooms, including the living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, stairwell and hallway. There had been repeated leaks from bathroom pipework, resulting in sewage water escaping through ceilings and walls, causing further structural damage.
Electrical safety was a serious concern. Faulty plug sockets had overheated and caused fires, damaging household appliances and creating ongoing risks. Floorboards had become unstable and sunken, particularly on the landing near the stairs, presenting a clear hazard. One toilet had never been functional during Ms. C’s tenancy, while cold running water to the bathroom sink had been unavailable for years.
Despite these issues being reported repeatedly, repairs were either delayed, inadequately addressed, or not carried out at all. At times, contractors attended but left without completing works. The client was frequently told the landlord wanted her to leave, rather than addressing the disrepair.
The condition of the property had a profound impact on Ms. C and her family. The persistent damp and mould exacerbated respiratory problems and contributed to repeated illnesses among the children, including hospital admissions. Living with unsafe electrics, sewage leaks, and ongoing infestations caused significant distress and anxiety.
Ms. C also described feeling intimidated following a change in landlord, including unannounced visits and confrontational behaviour, which further affected her mental wellbeing. The stress of managing serious health concerns alongside unsafe living conditions placed an overwhelming burden on the family.
SDS Solicitors took a proactive and supportive approach from the outset. The legal team gathered detailed evidence of the disrepair, including photographs, tenancy documentation, and records of historic complaints. The full extent of the defects was documented room by room to ensure nothing was overlooked.
SDS Solicitors liaised with the landlord to formally raise the disrepair, ensuring legal obligations were clearly set out. The firm guided Ms. C through the process with care and reassurance, recognising her vulnerability and the presence of young children in the household. Where necessary, further steps were taken to ensure the landlord addressed the issues without delay.
As a result of SDS Solicitors’ intervention, the matter was successfully resolved. The landlord was required to address the disrepair issues and bring the property up to a safe and habitable standard. A fair settlement was also achieved in recognition of the distress and inconvenience caused.
This case highlights the importance of tenants knowing their rights and seeking legal support when landlords fail to act. It also demonstrates SDS Solicitors’ commitment to standing up for vulnerable tenants and ensuring their homes are safe, secure, and fit for family life.
“This case required persistence and sensitivity. The client and her children had been living in unacceptable conditions for far too long. We are pleased to have secured a positive outcome and to have helped restore some stability during an extremely difficult period in her life.”
If you are living in a rented property affected by damp, mould, leaks, unsafe electrics, or other serious disrepair, SDS Solicitors can help. The firm offers a No Win No Fee service and provides compassionate, expert support throughout the claims process.
SDS Solicitors act for clients in Manchester, including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham, and Whitefield, as well as nationwide across England.
Contact SDS Solicitors today to speak with one of our experienced housing disrepair solicitors and take the first step towards securing safe and habitable living conditions.
