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Posted on January 21, 2026 by SheldonDavidsonSolicitors
COMPENSATION WON
Ms. C was a housing association tenant who had lived in her family home for approximately eight years. She occupied the property alone at the time of instruction, having previously lived there with her son. The property held significant personal importance, as it represented safety and stability following an earlier period of domestic abuse.
Ms. C was in receipt of benefits and suffered from serious respiratory problems. Over a prolonged period, she experienced repeated chest infections and regularly required emergency medical assistance, including ambulance callouts for oxygen and nebuliser treatment. Despite this, she remained committed to staying in her home and sought only to have the longstanding issues properly resolved.
The property had been affected by damp and mould almost continuously since Ms. C moved in. Over the years, the problem became so severe that the landlord was forced to remove and rebuild sections of the bedroom walls. Despite these invasive works, the mould returned and continued to spread throughout the home.
In the living room, black mould developed along skirting boards, beneath electrical fittings, and behind furniture. Similar issues arose in the kitchen, particularly around the rear door, wall units, and exposed beams. While mould spray was periodically applied, this amounted only to temporary surface treatment and failed to address the underlying causes.
The main bedroom was particularly affected. Damp and mould were present beneath windows, along skirting boards, and around double-glazed units, with visible staining spreading across previously white-painted walls. Water ingress was reported around window frames, and defects to the roof were apparent, with mismatched replacement tiles giving the appearance of patchwork repairs rather than comprehensive maintenance.
Ms. C also reported historic roof leaks, including a serious incident where water poured through the property during heavy rain. These issues were repeatedly attributed to condensation, despite clear evidence of water penetration and ongoing damp.
The prolonged disrepair had a significant impact on Ms. C’s health and wellbeing. Her breathing difficulties worsened over time, resulting in frequent medical emergencies and repeated courses of steroids and antibiotics. Living in a home affected by persistent damp and mould caused ongoing anxiety and distress, particularly given the property’s importance as a place of safety.
The situation left Ms. C exhausted and frustrated after years of reporting issues without lasting resolution. The return of mould following major works caused further emotional strain and a loss of confidence that the landlord was taking her health concerns seriously.
SDS Solicitors approached the matter with care and understanding, recognising both the long history of disrepair and Ms. C’s vulnerability. The legal team gathered evidence of historic and ongoing complaints, medical context, and records of ineffective remedial works.
SDS Solicitors set out the landlord’s legal obligations clearly and robustly, highlighting the unacceptable length of time the issues had been allowed to persist and the failure to implement permanent solutions. Throughout the process, the firm ensured Ms. C felt supported, informed, and listened to.
Following SDS Solicitors’ involvement, the matter was successfully resolved. The landlord was required to address the underlying causes of damp and mould and carry out appropriate remedial works to bring the property up to a habitable standard. A fair settlement was achieved in recognition of the prolonged distress, health impact, and inconvenience suffered by Ms. C.
This case demonstrates the importance of holding housing associations accountable where tenants endure long-term disrepair and highlights SDS Solicitors’ commitment to protecting vulnerable tenants’ rights.
“This case involved many years of unresolved damp and mould with a serious impact on the client’s health. We are pleased to have secured a positive outcome and to have ensured the client’s concerns were finally addressed properly.”
If you are living in a housing association or council property affected by damp, mould, leaks, or repeated failed repairs, SDS Solicitors can help. The firm offers a No Win No Fee service and provides compassionate, expert legal support.
SDS Solicitors act for clients in Manchester, including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham, and Whitefield, and also assist tenants nationwide across England.
Contact SDS Solicitors today to speak with one of our housing disrepair solicitors and take the first step towards a safer, healthier home.
