3. Identifying hazards in your council home
Your home should be safe, healthy and fit to live in. A housing hazard is anything in your home that could harm your health or safety.
Some people may be more affected by hazards, including:
- babies and children
- older people
- disabled residents
- people with long-term health conditions
If something in your home feels unsafe or is making you unwell, it may be a hazard.
How to spot a hazard
Ask yourself:
- does this make me or my family feel unsafe or unwell?
- has the problem been getting worse?
- is there visible damage, mould, leaks or faulty equipment?
If the answer is yes, it’s important to report it.
You can also download our hazards leaflet to help you identify common issues.
Common hazards to look out for
This is not a full list, but these are the most common issues in council homes.
Damp and mould
- mould on walls, ceilings or around windows
- a musty smell
- peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
- condensation that doesn’t clear
Why it matters: can cause breathing problems and worsen asthma.
Cold or overheating
- your home is hard to heat in winter
- heating systems not working properly
Why it matters: cold homes increase the risk of illness, especially for older people and children.
Fire safety
- missing or faulty smoke alarms
- blocked exits
- damaged doors that don’t close properly
Why it matters: increases the risk of serious injury or death.
Electrical safety
- flickering lights
- burning smells
- exposed wires
- electrics tripping frequently
Why it matters: can cause fires or electric shock.
Structural issues
- cracks in walls or ceilings
- loose handrails
- uneven floors
- doors or windows that don’t close properly
Why it matters: increases the risk of falls and injuries.
Water and sanitation
- leaks
- no hot water
- drainage problems or bad smells
Why it matters: can affect hygiene and health.
What to do if you find a hazard
Please report it as soon as possible.
When you report an issue:
- explain what the problem is and where it is
- tell us how long it’s been happening
- let us know if anyone in your household is vulnerable
- include photos if you can
This helps us assess the risk and respond quickly.
How the council responds
We use national housing safety standards to assess hazards. Serious hazards must be dealt with urgently.
Under Awaab’s Law, we must:
- investigate hazards promptly
- prioritise health-related risks such as damp and mould
- complete repairs within clear timescales
- keep you informed about what’s happening
We have a page dedicated to Awaab's Law that provides more information, including details the timescales we must follow and how we will investigate hazards.
Our commitment to you
We are committed to:
- keeping council homes safe and healthy
- taking reports seriously
- acting in line with housing safety standards and the law
- communicating clearly and respectfully
Your home should be a place where you feel safe.
Need help or advice?
If you’re unsure whether something is a hazard, or need help reporting it, contact us via our Report a council housing fault or repair page.