Your right to a safe home:
Your landlord must ensure your home is:
- structurally sound
- free from serious hazards (for example, damp, mould, fire risk)
- equipped with working smoke alarms, gas safety checks, and electrical safety reports (where required)
The Renters’ Rights Act proposes extending the Decent Homes Standard—currently used in social housing—to the private rented sector, and applying Awaab’s Law to private rentals, which would introduce legal deadlines for landlords to fix serious health and safety hazards such as damp and mould. However, these measures are not expected to take effect until around 2035.
What you should do:
- report any issues in writing to your landlord or agent
- keep evidence (for example, photos, emails)
- if nothing is done, contact Norwich City Council’s private sector housing team - we may be able to inspect or take enforcement action
