As England has endured a particularly harsh winter, with weeks of relentless rain and even snow, the impact on homes and families has been significant. Record wet weather has been reported across the country, with some areas seeing rainfall for over 40 consecutive days in early 2026, adding strain to vulnerable housing stock.
Bad weather doesn’t just make life uncomfortable, it exacerbates housing disrepair. Cold temperatures, persistent rain and snow increase the risk of internal damp, mould growth and structural defects such as roof leaks, frozen pipes and gutter damage. These issues are more than cosmetic: they can affect tenants’ health, safety and wellbeing throughout winter and beyond.
Disrepair: A widespread concern
Recent data shows that housing issues are alarmingly common in England’s rental sector:
- 45% of private renters report living in homes plagued by cold, damp or mould even during summer months.
- Nearly half of these households have lived with such disrepair for over a year.
- According to the English Housing Survey, around 1.0 million households in England experience significant damp problems, with private renters particularly affected.
Winter worsens these challenges. Poor insulation and heating inefficiencies mean many households struggle to keep warm, leading to condensation, damp and mould, conditions linked to respiratory issues and other health risks.
Your rights as a tenant
Under English law, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining rented properties in a habitable condition, regardless of weather events. This includes repairing leaks, resolving damp and mould issues, and ensuring heating systems function correctly. Even damage caused by storms or cold weather does not remove these obligations.
For tenants in social housing, Awaab’s Law now mandates faster responses to serious hazards, including mould and damp, with strict timeframes for investigation and repair. Similar protections are expected to be extended to the private rented sector under ongoing renters’ rights reforms.
Take action if you’re affected
If winter has exposed or worsened disrepair in your home:
- Report issues promptly to your landlord or housing provider in writing.
- Document damage with photos and dates, this may support future claims.
- If problems persist, seek independent advice from environmental health teams, tenant support services, or legal professionals experienced in housing disrepair claims.
No tenant should endure unsafe living conditions
Winter weather may be temporary, but the effects of housing disrepair can last far longer. Living in a cold, damp or unsafe home is not something tenants should accept, whether you rent privately or through a social landlord.
Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your health, your family and your home. At GLP Solicitors, we regularly help tenants across England understand where responsibility lies and what options are available when repairs are delayed or ignored. Staying informed, and acting early, can make all the difference, especially during the harsh winter months.
Visit our specialised Dispute Resolution website.