Support for Tenants

Glossary

Abatement order

Plain-English definition

An order issued by the Magistrates' Court under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring a landlord to remedy a statutory nuisance (such as serious damp, pests, or sewage problems) within a fixed period. Non-compliance can result in a fine and daily penalties.

Where it comes from in law

  • Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 82, An alternative legal route for tenants whose home is a statutory nuisance: pests, mould, no heating, smells. Magistrates' Court. Often faster than civil disrepair and runs in parallel with it.

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Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.

By: Support for Tenants editorial team

Last updated:

Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.

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