As temperatures drop and the bad weather rolls in, the winter months often bring housing problems into sharp focus. When families spend more time at home over Christmas and New Year, issues that might have gone unnoticed become impossible to ignore.
Persistent damp patches, black mould spreading across walls, heating systems failing during the coldest days, or leaks worsening during winter storms. If you’ve experienced any of these problems, you’re not alone.
But here’s what many tenants don’t realise: you don’t have to live with these conditions and the law is on your side.
Why Winter Reveals Housing Problems
November through to March is peak season for housing disrepair issues. The combination of cold weather, increased moisture and more time spent indoors means problems become both more obvious and more impactful.
Rick Law, legal expert at Liberay Legal, explains: “Over periods like Christmas and New Year when we’re spending more time at home, issues that might have seemed manageable suddenly become unbearable and potentially dangerous.”
Common Winter Disrepair Issues
During the winter months, tenants frequently encounter:
- Damp and mould – Black mould appearing in bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, often accompanied by a musty smell and condensation on windows. Prolonged exposure can cause serious respiratory problems, particularly in children and vulnerable adults.
- Leaks and water damage – Roof leaks, burst pipes, or rising damp that damages walls, ceilings and personal belongings.
- Heating failures – Boilers breaking down during the coldest weeks, leaving families without hot water or central heating when they need it most.
- Window and door defects – Broken seals, cracked panes, or ill-fitting frames that let in cold air and moisture, making properties impossible to heat effectively.
- Structural problems – Crumbling plaster, damaged flooring, or issues with staircases and railings that pose safety risks.
Damp and mould in particular has become a growing crisis across the UK. Research conducted by Liberay Legal last year revealed that reports of damp and mould by council tenants had risen dramatically across the UK between 2022 and 2024. In many areas, the number of repairs requests made by tenants doubled (and even tripled in some areas) with tenants sometimes waiting months for vital repairs to be completed.
Your Legal Rights: Awaab's Law and Beyond
Following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the government introduced Awaab’s Law as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The first phase came into effect in October 2025.
This law requires social landlords to investigate and fix reported health hazards within strict timescales:
- Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours
- Serious hazards must be fixed within seven days
- Non-urgent hazards must be repaired within 14 days
“Your landlord now has a legal requirement to investigate the cause of issues like damp and mould, and they must act to rectify issues within a reasonable time frame,” Rick explains. “If your landlord is refusing to investigate or complete repairs, or your reports are being ignored, they are breaking the law.”
All Landlords Have Duties
While Awaab’s Law currently applies to social housing, all landlords have a legal duty under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to maintain their properties in a safe and habitable condition. This includes keeping the structure, exterior, and installations for water, gas, electricity, heating and sanitation in proper working order.
What You Should Do
If your landlord is ignoring your repair requests or refusing to take action, follow these steps:
1. Report the Disrepair
Always report the disrepair to your landlord! Whether by email, text, letter, online portal or phone call, keep reporting the issues. Always keep copies of everything you send and all responses you receive.
2. Document Everything
Ensure you take photographs and videos showing the full extent of the problem. Include dates on your evidence and update your records if the situation worsens.
3. Follow Up Persistently
If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable time, send follow-up communications. Remember to note down the dates of all contact attempts.
4. Seek Legal Advice
If your landlord continues to refuse repairs, you may be entitled to compensation and can force them to carry out the necessary work.
Rick emphasises: “Remember, you do not have to live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions that put you or your family at risk. You may be entitled to compensation and could even force your landlord to complete repairs through a court order.”
What You Could Be Entitled To
You do not have to live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions that put you or your family at risk.
You may be entitled to:
- Compensation for living in substandard conditions
- A court order forcing your landlord to complete repairs
Take Action Today
Don’t suffer in silence this winter. If you’ve noticed damp, mould, broken heating or other disrepair issues and your landlord is refusing to help, you have legal options.
At Liberay Legal, we’re dedicated to fighting for tenants’ rights across the UK. We hold Lexcel accreditation from The Law Society, which sets the standard for client care, compliance, and practice management. With a proven track record in housing disrepair claims, we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to safe, secure, and liveable housing.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your situation. Let us help you get the safe, warm home you deserve.
