The Latest
Key UK Housing Disrepair Facts
-
Widespread Damp & Mould
-
Around 1 million households (4%) report problems with dampness in England. Among private renters, the figure climbs to 10%, local authority renters 7%, and housing association tenants 4% Hodge Jones & Allen+4National Claims -+4greenbanklawyers.co.uk+4The Guardian+14SilverOak Solicitors+14Wikipedia+14.
-
-
Non‑Decent Homes Ratio
-
From 2021–2023, an average of 14% of English households lived in homes lacking modern facilities, adequate heating/insulation, or in disrepair Ethnicity Facts and Figures+1National Claims -+1.
-
-
Rising Complaints
-
The Housing Ombudsman reports a 474% increase in social-housing repair complaints since 2019–20, with repair cases now making up 45% of its workload. These issues prompted over £3.4 million in compensation during 2024–25 The Guardian+4Housing Ombudsman+4The Guardian+4.
-
-
Demographic and Regional Impact
-
48% of current UK tenants live with at least one disrepair problem (mould, damp, leaks). The highest rates are in Nottingham (60%), Bristol (59%), Manchester (58%), Newcastle/Norwich (57%), and London (55%) Ethnicity Facts and FiguresHodge Jones & Allen.
-
Stories told in pixels
Legal Reforms & Upcoming Changes
-
Awaab’s Law (part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023):
-
From October 27, 2025, social landlords must address emergency hazards—including harmful damp or mould—within set deadlines (e.g., within 24 hours for emergencies) greenbanklawyers.co.uk+12Kennedys Law+12Wikipedia+12.
-
Full enforcement to follow by 2027, covering hazards from cold/heat to structural and fire safety GOV.UK+1The Scottish Sun+1.
-
-
Renters’ Rights Bill (expected summer 2025):
-
Introduction of a new “Decent Homes Standard” for private renters.
-
Abolition of no-fault evictions (Section 21).
-
Creation of a national database on private landlords GOV.UK+3Wikipedia+3cartridgeslaw.co.uk+3Watson Woodhouse.
-
Let Us Tell Your Story
THE 411
Latest News Highlights
-
Housing Ombudsman warns of “simmering anger” over poor living conditions, highlighting persistent issues in ageing social housing that date back pre-1964 The Guardian.
-
Major intrusion in councils: Resolution Foundation reports 128,000 households currently in temporary accommodation in England—more than double since 2010—with 72,000 in London Housing Ombudsman+15reuters.com+15National Claims -+15.
-
Local authorities under pressure in coastal towns, where youth face poor housing and public services, reflecting wider systemic neglect The Guardian.
Why This Matters & How We Help
These facts show a national crisis in housing conditions—especially in the social and private rented sectors. The significant increase in complaints, combined with a soaring number of compromised homes, underscores a systemic failure that demands intervention.
At The Better Living Project CIC, we:
-
Identify and document disrepair issues on behalf of tenants.
-
Support claims strapped in a supportive, no-cost framework.
-
Connect tenants with legal specialists and oversee the process from reporting to compensation.
With Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard on the horizon, 2025 is a pivotal year. Now is the time to act—to ensure tenants know their rights and can access answers and support.
Promotional offer
If you know anyone thhat needs our services and support, please give us a call or send us an email. Upon heir claim being accepted; we will send you a £50 gift voucher.