The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

January 3, 2019

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

On 20 December 2018, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill was given royal assent. The Act amends the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. It will come into force from March 2019 allowing all tenants, private and social, to take action against their landlord if their home or the building in which it is located contains a hazard that presents a risk to their health or wellbeing.

The Act creates an obligation on landlords to make sure that property is fit for habitation at the start of the tenancy and is kept so throughout. If the landlord fails meet this obligation, then the tenant will be able to bring a claim to force the landlord carry out works and seek compensation. However, it is notable that the Act does not create an obligation for a landlord to carry out works which are the responsibility for the tenant or result from a tenant’s breach of covenant.

Which issues would be covered?

The matters that could now cause a property to be unfit (only if it so defective that it is not reasonably suitable for occupation) will include from 20 March 2019:

  • Damp and mould growth
  • Excess Cold
  • Excess heat
  • Asbestos and MMF
  • Biocides
  • Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
  • Lead
  • Radiation
  • Uncombusted fuel gas
  • Volatile organic compounds
  • Crowding and space
  • Entry by intruders
  • Lighting
  • Noise
  • Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
  • Food safety (inadequate provisions)
  • Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
  • Water supply
  • Falls (baths, between levels, level surfaces and stairs)
  • Electrical hazards
  • Fire
  • Flames, hot surfaces etc
  • Collision and entrapment
  • Explosions
  • Position and operability of amenities etc
  • Structural collapse and falling elements

Further Developments and Clarification

It will be interesting to see how the Courts interpret the point at which a hazard exists and then whether it is so defective that the dwelling is not suitable for occupation. It is hoped that common sense will prevail.  However, problems might arise with progressive issues. For example, if there is a leak which is difficult to find and fix, which causes damp, it is not clear at what point that might render the property unfit for occupation.

f you have any questions or queries regarding this subject, please contact Claire-Elaine directly and she will be more than happy to help.

DD: +44 (0) 7791 143 284

Email: [email protected]