The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 gives you the right to take your landlord directly to court if your property is unfit to live in, without needing to go through the local council first. This is a powerful tool because it gives you a direct legal remedy, including the ability to claim compensation for the impact the poor conditions have had on your health and daily life.
A property is unfit for human habitation if it has serious problems with damp and mould, ventilation, water supply, drainage, cooking facilities, lighting, heating, stability, or general repair. The assessment uses the HHSRS, which identifies 29 categories of hazard including excess cold, falls, fire, noise, and mould growth.
The Act works alongside Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Section 11 covers specific structural and installation repairs, whereas fitness for human habitation goes broader, covering the overall condition and safety of the property.
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