Living in safe and healthy housing is a basic expectation, but many tenants in Stockport face problems with damp, mould, and other forms of disrepair. When landlords fail to maintain their properties, the result is often damage to the home and, more seriously, risks to the health of those living inside.
If you or your family have suffered illness due to damp or mould in your Stockport home, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. Compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment, repairs, and the stress of living in unsuitable conditions. Understanding your rights and how the claim process works is the first step towards resolving the situation.
What constitutes housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair occurs when a landlord fails to carry out necessary maintenance and the property falls into a state that is unsafe or unhealthy to live in. Common issues that can lead to housing disrepair claims include:
- Damp and mould spreading on walls, ceilings, and furniture
- Leaks from roofs, pipes, or windows
- Faulty heating systems leaving the home cold and prone to condensation
- Poor ventilation causing moisture build-up
- Structural problems such as cracks in walls or defective brickwork
Ignoring these problems can lead to physical and financial hardship for tenants.
The health risks of damp and mould
Damp and mould are more than just unsightly. Prolonged exposure to them can lead to serious health issues. In Stockport, tenants who live in homes with untreated mould have reported conditions such as:
- Asthma and other respiratory illnesses
- Persistent coughs, sore throats, and breathing difficulties
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Weakened immune systems, particularly in children and older people
- The worsening of pre-existing medical conditions
The health consequences can affect work, school attendance, and overall quality of life. Should these issues stem from substandard housing conditions, you might be eligible to pursue compensation.
Landlord responsibilities in Stockport
Whether your landlord is the local council, a housing association, or a private landlord, they have a legal duty to keep the property safe and habitable. Their responsibilities include:
- Repairing structural issues such as walls, roofs, and windows
- Maintaining water, gas, and electricity supplies
- Ensuring heating and hot water systems are in working order
- Dealing with damp and mould caused by disrepair, not by the tenant’s lifestyle
If your landlord has been told of disrepair but hasn’t acted in a reasonable time, they may be in breach.
When can tenants make a housing disrepair claim?
You may be able to bring a claim against your landlord if:
- You reported damp, mould, or disrepair and they failed to address it
- The disrepair caused or worsened health problems
- Your personal belongings were damaged, for example, clothes or furniture ruined by mould
- You suffered financial loss, such as higher energy bills due to poor insulation
In these situations, compensation may cover both the cost of the damage and the inconvenience of living in unsafe conditions.
Proving a housing disrepair claim
To succeed with a claim, you need evidence showing both the existence of disrepair and the harm it caused. Useful forms of evidence include:
- Photographs of damp, mould, or leaks
- Copies of letters, emails, or texts sent to your landlord reporting the problem
- Medical records linking your illness to the poor housing conditions
- Reports from environmental health officers or housing inspectors
- Witness statements from neighbours or visitors who saw the disrepair
The stronger your evidence, the greater the chance of securing compensation.
How much compensation can tenants in Stockport receive?
Compensation for housing disrepair is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Factors that influence the amount include:
- The severity and duration of the disrepair
- The impact on your health and daily life
- Financial losses such as damaged belongings or increased bills
- Emotional distress caused by living in unsuitable conditions
For example, a tenant with prolonged exposure to severe mould leading to respiratory illness is likely to receive a higher award than someone who experienced a short-term inconvenience.
Time limits for housing disrepair claims
In most cases, tenants have six years to bring a housing disrepair claim. If the claim involves personal injury, such as illness caused by mould, the time limit is three years from the date of injury or the date you first became aware of it.
Seeking legal advice early is important. The longer disrepair goes unchallenged, the greater the risk to your health and wellbeing.
The claims process
The housing disrepair claims process usually involves the following steps:
- Initial assessment – A solicitor reviews your situation and advises whether you have grounds for a claim
- Evidence gathering – Collecting photos, medical records, and correspondence with your landlord
- Letter of claim – Your solicitor writes to your landlord outlining the disrepair and the impact it has had
- Response – The landlord may admit fault and agree to repairs and compensation, or they may dispute the claim
- Negotiation – Your solicitor works to secure a fair settlement for the harm caused
- Court action – If an agreement cannot be reached, the claim may proceed to court for a judge to decide
Strong evidence often resolves many cases before they reach trial.
Stockport housing conditions and local context
Stockport has a mix of housing, including older terraced properties, post-war council estates, and newer developments. Older buildings in particular can be prone to damp if not properly maintained. The area’s climate, with frequent rainfall and cold winters, also makes damp and mould recurring problems for tenants.
Local landlords, whether private or part of Stockport Homes, have a responsibility to keep their properties free from hazards. If a landlord ignores or dismisses tenants who report problems, they should be aware of their legal remedies.
FAQs
Can I file a claim while still residing in the property?
Yes, you can bring a housing disrepair claim even if you remain in the property. Compensation can still be awarded, and your landlord can be ordered to carry out repairs.
What if my landlord blames me for the mould?
Landlords sometimes argue that mould is caused by lifestyle factors, such as drying clothes indoors. However, the landlord bears responsibility if poor ventilation, structural defects, or leaks are the cause of the issue. An expert report can help establish the true cause.
Speak to Marley Solicitors about housing disrepair in Stockport
If you are living with damp, mould, or other disrepair in your Stockport home, you do not have to suffer in silence. Marley Solicitors can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for the harm caused.
Our team has experience supporting tenants across Stockport and Greater Manchester who have faced housing disrepair and the illnesses it can cause. We are committed to holding landlords accountable and ensuring you live in a safe, healthy home.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to discuss your housing disrepair claim in Stockport in confidence and take the first step towards securing compensation and proper living conditions.
