From Damp to Pests: The Hidden Housing Hazards of Hot Weather

When people think of housing disrepair, most picture winter-related issues like broken boilers or draughty windows. But summer brings its own set of challenges and some of the most damaging disrepair problems can arise during warmer months.

If you live in a council or housing association property, it’s important to recognise that hot weather can make certain issues worse, or reveal hidden hazards that need urgent attention.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common – and often overlooked – summer housing disrepair problems, how they affect your health and safety, and what you can do if your landlord fails to act.

1. Damp and Mould Don’t Take a Holiday

You might assume that damp and mould only thrive in cold, wet conditions. But summer humidity, especially in poorly ventilated homes, can still cause problems.

Why it happens in summer:

• Warm air holds more moisture – this can lead to condensation when it meets cooler surfaces (like walls or windows).
• Poor ventilation traps humidity indoors, particularly in flats or houses without functioning windows or extractor fans.
• Hidden leaks (e.g., under sinks or from gutters) can worsen unnoticed.

What to look for:

• Black mould in corners or around windows
• Musty smells in warm rooms
• Condensation on walls even in hot weather

Tip: Keep windows open where possible and use extractor fans. If the problem persists, your landlord may be responsible under housing disrepair law.

2. Pests and Infestations

Hot weather is ideal breeding ground for pests like ants, cockroaches, flies, and rodents. If there are gaps in walls, broken seals around windows or doors, or waste issues, your home could quickly become infested.

Signs of a pest problem:

• Droppings or insect bodies
• Scratching noises in walls or ceilings
• Nests in lofts or vents
• Strong, unpleasant smells

When it becomes disrepair:

• If the infestation is due to a structural issue, poor waste management by the landlord, or lack of property maintenance, it may be considered disrepair.
• Tenants are generally responsible for keeping their home clean, but landlords must deal with pests if caused by the condition of the property.

3. Broken or Faulty Windows

In summer, working windows are essential. If you can’t open them, your home may become dangerously hot and poorly ventilated.

Risks include:

• Overheating (especially in high-rise flats)
• Increased risk of damp and mould
• Trapped odours, stale air, and condensation build-up

If your windows are jammed, cracked, or unsafe and your landlord won’t repair them it could form the basis of a disrepair claim.

4. Poor Ventilation

Ventilation is crucial in any season, but in summer it becomes even more urgent. Without it, your home becomes a trap for moisture, heat, and pollutants.

Common issues:

• No extractor fans in bathrooms or kitchens
• Blocked air bricks or vents
• Sealed-up windows with no alternative airflow

Poor ventilation can contribute to respiratory conditions, particularly for children, the elderly, or people with asthma. It’s not just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.

5. Cracks and Structural Movement

Dry soil during hot weather can cause subsidence in some areas, especially where the ground is clay-based. This can lead to visible cracks in walls, uneven flooring, or sticking doors and windows.

While not as common, it’s a serious form of disrepair and should be inspected urgently.

What Can You Do if You Spot These Problems?

1. Report the issue in writing to your council or housing association immediately.
2. Take photos and keep records of all communication.
3. If they fail to respond or repair the problem within a reasonable timeframe, you may have grounds for a housing disrepair claim.

Know Your Rights

Your landlord has a legal duty to keep your home in a safe, habitable condition, regardless of the season.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, they must:

• Maintain the structure and exterior of the property
• Ensure proper sanitation, ventilation, and drainage
• Fix hazards that affect health and safety (e.g., mould, pests, poor insulation)

If they fail to act, you may be entitled to:

• Repairs
• Compensation
• Legal costs covered

Next Steps

If your landlord is ignoring serious disrepair – whether it’s damp, pests, or broken windows – you don’t have to face it alone. Specialist housing disrepair solicitors, like the team at Legal HD, can help you make a housing disrepair claim and get the outcome you deserve. They work on a no win, no fee basis so you only pay if your claim is successful.