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Posted on December 15, 2025 by SheldonDavidsonSolicitors
COMPENSATION WON
Ms. S was a private tenant who had lived in a detached bungalow-style property since 2019. She occupied the home with her adult daughter and two sons, one of whom was non-verbal and autistic, requiring a stable and carefully managed living environment.
The tenancy was renewed annually through managing agents, and rent was always paid in full and on time. Due to her family’s needs and long-standing ties to the property, relocating was extremely difficult. Ms. S expected the landlord and managing agents to address issues identified during regular inspections, but serious problems were allowed to persist.
Over the final two years of the tenancy, the property fell into significant disrepair. Damp and mould spread extensively across ceilings and walls, particularly in the hallway, living room, and one of the bathrooms, rendering parts of the home unusable. Wallpaper peeled away, revealing mould beneath, and ceilings showed clear signs of water ingress.
Water repeatedly leaked through light fittings in the living room during rainfall, creating an obvious electrical hazard. Although contractors attended on occasion, only temporary cosmetic measures were taken, and the underlying causes were not resolved.
The kitchen ceiling partially collapsed, leaving sharp and exposed edges. The boiler, located in the kitchen, broke down entirely, leaving the household without heating, hot water, or a working shower for several months. Despite repeated attendance by contractors, the boiler was not repaired or replaced.
Externally, the patio and access to the garden were unsafe due to rotting and broken wooden structures, making it dangerous for both adults and children to use. Drainage and guttering issues caused constant water dripping even in dry weather, further contributing to damp inside the property.
One of the bathrooms became unusable due to severe mould and ceiling cracks, forcing the family to close off bedrooms and limit use of the home.
The impact on Ms. S and her family was profound. With no heating or hot water, the family was forced to rely on electric heaters and regularly travel to friends’ homes, hotels, or relatives’ properties to shower. At times, all family members slept in the living room to keep warm.
Ms. S suffered from asthma and diabetes, conditions that were exacerbated by cold temperatures and mould exposure. Her daughter began experiencing persistent coughing, and the conditions were particularly distressing for her autistic son, who struggled with changes in routine, cold environments, and shared sleeping arrangements.
The family felt isolated, distressed, and overwhelmed, describing the conditions as unrecognisable for a modern rented home in England.
SDS Solicitors approached the case with sensitivity and urgency, recognising the vulnerability of the household. The legal team gathered detailed evidence, including photographs, videos, inspection records, medical context, and tenancy documentation.
SDS Solicitors set out the landlord’s legal obligations clearly and robustly, highlighting the prolonged nature of the disrepair, the failure to act following repeated inspections, and the serious impact on the family’s health and wellbeing. The firm ensured that Ms. S and her daughter were supported throughout the process and fully informed at every stage.
Following SDS Solicitors’ involvement, the matter was successfully resolved. The landlord was required to address the outstanding defects, including heating, water ingress, and mould, and to bring the property back to a safe and habitable standard. A fair settlement was achieved in recognition of the prolonged hardship, inconvenience, and distress endured by the family.
This case demonstrates the importance of early legal intervention where landlords fail to act and reinforces tenants’ rights to live in safe, warm, and dignified conditions.
“This was a distressing case involving serious disrepair and a household with significant vulnerabilities. We are pleased to have secured a positive outcome and to have helped restore safety and dignity for the family.”
If you are living in a privately rented property affected by damp, mould, leaks, unsafe electrics, or loss of heating and hot water, SDS Solicitors can help. The firm offers a No Win No Fee service and provides compassionate, expert legal support throughout the process.
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 safer, healthier living conditions.
