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Tenants have the right to live in a property that is safe, clean and suitable for daily life. To maintain these standards, landlords have a legal duty to keep the property in good condition, respond to issues raised by tenants and act in their tenants’ best interests. When they fail to do this, and it causes harm, the landlord may be acting negligently according to the law in England and Wales.

Graham Coffey & Co is now part of Express Solicitors Limited, a top 100 law firm and one of the UK’s largest personal injury solicitors.

Every year, hundreds of pedestrians are struck by vehicles on British roads, often with devastating consequences. In 2022 alone, 385 pedestrian fatalities occurred in road collisions across Great Britain, with approximately 5,901 people seriously injured. This averages out to roughly eight fatally injured pedestrians and over 100 serious injuries every week​.

Every day, thousands of cyclists take to the roads for commuting, exercise and leisure. Unfortunately, they face significant risks on the road​. Statistics show that an average of 2 cyclists are killed and 80 seriously injured every week in Great Britain. If you’re a cyclist, understanding the legal process after a bike accident can help you protect your rights and wellbeing immediately after a crash. It can also ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries or losses you have suffered.

Damp and mould are common issues in rental properties, and they can cause serious discomfort, damage belongings and lead to health problems. Beyond health issues, persistent damp can cause peeling paint, crumbling plaster and rotten window frames, making your home unsafe and unpleasant to live in. If your landlord has not addressed the issue, you may be wondering whether you can legally withhold rent. While tenants have rights regarding property conditions, withholding rent can have legal consequences.

Cycling is a great way to get around, whether you are exercising, enjoying leisure time or commuting to work. However, sharing the road with other road users comes with risks, and even experienced cyclists can find themselves in challenging situations. From parked cars to stationary traffic and slippery drain covers, there are a number of risks that can affect cyclists, and understanding how to handle these hazards is key to staying safe. This guide provides practical cycling tips for both beginners and experienced riders to stay safe on the road and outlines what support is available if an accident occurs.

Workplace accidents can happen in any environment, whether it’s a construction site, warehouse, office or shop. Some accidents are unavoidable, but many occur because proper safety precautions were not taken. Employers have a legal duty to carry out risk assessments, provide proper training and maintain a safe working environment. If this doesn’t happen, you could be left with serious injuries that affect your health, ability to work and financial stability.

Tenants have a legal right to live in properties that are safe, comfortable and suitable for daily life. This includes access to heating and hot water, which are basic necessities to which tenants are entitled by law. If a landlord fails to provide these essential services or does not arrange repairs in a timely manner when problems arise, it can lead to discomfort, an increased risk of health problems and additional costs for tenants who need to find alternative solutions.

Under the law in England and Wales, tenants are protected by regulations that specify the landlord's obligations to maintain their property to a certain standard. These obligations include minimising the risk of mould and, if it develops, the expectations for its removal. However, there may be times in which landlords fail to follow these legal requirements, which can result in damage to the tenant's health and their possessions due to mould growing within the property.

Rodent infestations in rented properties can cause health risks and damage to belongings. Landlords have a legal duty to maintain properties in a condition that is safe and suitable for tenants to live in. When a rodent problem arises, tenants should report it promptly, and landlords must take steps to address it within a reasonable timeframe.

Tenants in the UK have the right to live in properties that are fit for human habitation, which means that they meet specific legal standards to be safe and suitable for tenants to live in. This right, and the standards that a rental property must meet, are enshrined in legislation such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Housing Act 2004, and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.