Your legal rights as a Selwood Housing tenant
Selwood Housing is a housing association — and housing association tenants have exactly the same repair rights as council tenants. Whatever your tenancy agreement says, the law writes two powerful sets of obligations into it: Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Together, they require your landlord to keep your home:
- Safe and fit for human habitationA home you can live in without risk to your health or wellbeing.
- Free from serious health hazardsIncluding damp and mould that can trigger respiratory problems.
- Properly maintained, with working utilitiesHeating, hot water, gas, electricity and sanitation that function as they should.
- Structurally sound and weather-tightA roof, walls, windows and doors that keep the weather out.
The Housing Ombudsman has made clear that social landlords are expected to take a proactive approach to disrepair — particularly damp and mould — rather than leaving tenants to chase the same problem again and again. If Selwood Housing has been told about a defect and hasn’t fixed it properly within a reasonable time, you may have a claim.
Report it first — and keep the evidence. Raise the problem through Selwood Housing’s repair channels in writing and keep copies of everything. A landlord generally has a reasonable timeframe — typically 21 days for non-emergency repairs — to put things right before a claim can proceed.
What compensation could you claim?
Rent rebate
A refund of rent for the periods your home wasn’t fully habitable, calculated on the severity and duration of the disrepair.
Health compensation
For physical or mental health conditions caused by poor living conditions — including respiratory problems, skin conditions, stress and anxiety.
Damaged belongings
Replacement costs for possessions ruined by damp, leaks or mould — furniture, clothing, electronics and household goods.
Inconvenience
For the disruption to your daily life, reflecting how severely the disrepair affected you and your family.
How long do you have to claim?
Housing disrepair claims are subject to a 6-year limitation period, so compensation can reach back over conditions you’ve endured for years — but the sooner you act, the stronger your evidence will be. Urgent repairs that put your safety at risk should be dealt with within 24 hours, and we can press for interim action where your landlord fails to respond.
No win, no fee — guaranteed. You pay nothing unless your claim against Selwood Housing succeeds. Your free assessment carries no obligation whatsoever.