Glossary
Environmental health officer (EHO)
A local council officer who can inspect private and social housing for hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). They have powers to serve improvement notices and emergency prohibition orders on landlords who ignore serious hazards.
Related terms
Improvement notice
A formal notice from the local council's environmental health team ordering a landlord to fix a specific hazard within a set period. Failing to comply is a criminal offence. Tenants can ask EHOs to issue one if a landlord ignores their reports.
Statutory nuisance
A condition listed in Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that is prejudicial to health or a nuisance. Examples include damp and mould affecting health, active pest infestations, sewage smells, and structural conditions making a home unsafe. Tenants can take landlords to the Magistrates' Court under Section 82 EPA 1990 once a 21-day written notice has been sent.
Abatement order
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.
Need help with a real housing problem?
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.