It was raining inside
their flat all winter.
Black mould spreading across every wall. Saturated ceilings. A landlord who ignored every call. JP and Shamme were trapped - until their community refused to let that stand.
The conditions they were living in
Throughout the winter of 2022–23, JP and Shamme lived with black mould spreading across their walls, ceilings so saturated with damp that water dripped inside, and a letting agent - Hunters Newcastle - that refused to act. Their landlord, Paul Kohli, owns multiple properties and businesses in the area. His response to the disrepair was silence.
The health impact was serious. Their mental health deteriorated to the point where they lost half their income. The cost of the energy crisis made leaving the heating off a financial necessity - in a flat that was already losing heat through waterlogged walls.
"Every morning I'd wake up and check the walls. Every morning it was worse. We reported it again and again. Nothing happened. I didn't know you could fight back - I didn't know there was anyone who would fight with you."- JP, Food & Solidarity member
This was not a one-off. A former tenant came forward after seeing our campaign video, alleging the same landlord had left rotten floorboards unrepaired in a different property for years. The pattern of neglect extended even to a care home run by one of Kohli's companies, which was placed under special measures by the CQC due to inadequate conditions.
What we did about it
Food & Solidarity members don't face these situations alone. When JP and Shamme came to us, we didn't just offer advice - we stood alongside them.
"I never thought a letting agent would back down. But they did. That only happened because people showed up."- Shamme, Food & Solidarity member
days From march to victory
The law is (slowly) catching up
Cases like JP and Shamme's are exactly why the Renters' Rights Bill and Awaab's Law matter - and why enforcement matters even more.
Awaab's Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died from prolonged exposure to mould in social housing. It requires landlords to investigate and fix hazardous living conditions within set timeframes. The Renters' Rights Bill extends these protections to the private rented sector for the first time.
What the new laws mean for private renters
- Landlords must investigate damp and mould within a legally defined timeframe
- Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are abolished - you can't be evicted for complaining
- Tenants can challenge unfair rent increases formally
- A new landlord ombudsman will mediate disputes
- The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals for the first time
These laws represent real progress. But as JP and Shamme's case shows, the law alone is not enough. Local authorities frequently fail to enforce these standards. Landlords bet on tenants not knowing their rights, or being too afraid to use them. That is exactly what collective action changes. Read about long-term damp in council housing that we got fixed for another member →
Your questions answered
Common questions from renters in Newcastle facing damp, mould, and unresponsive landlords.
What can I do if my landlord won't fix mould or damp?
Report the issue in writing to your landlord and letting agent and keep records of everything. Then contact your local council's housing team to request an inspection - this creates an official paper trail the landlord cannot ignore. Under the Renters' Rights Bill and Awaab's Law, landlords are now legally required to investigate and fix hazardous conditions within set timeframes. Food & Solidarity can support you through this - contact us below.
What is Awaab's Law and does it apply to private renters?
Awaab's Law was introduced following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from prolonged mould exposure in social housing. It requires social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould within defined timeframes. The Renters' Rights Bill extends the same obligations to private landlords.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord ignores disrepair?
Withholding rent can put your tenancy at risk and is generally not advisable without legal guidance. Document everything, report in writing, request a council inspection, and contact an organisation like Food & Solidarity or Shelter to understand your options safely before taking financial action.
What is the Renters' Rights Bill?
The Renters' Rights Bill is UK legislation strengthening private tenants' rights. Key changes include abolishing no-fault (Section 21) evictions, giving renters the right to challenge unfair rent increases, creating a landlord ombudsman service, and applying Decent Homes Standards to private rentals for the first time.
How does Food & Solidarity actually help people?
We support members through direct collective action - helping document housing issues, accompanying tenants to meetings, organising community pressure on negligent landlords and letting agents, and connecting people with food parcels and practical support. We don't just point you toward resources. We show up alongside you.
Nobody should fight this alone.
JP and Shamme won because their community stood with them. Join Food & Solidarity - and help us stand with the next person who needs it.
Dealing with housing disrepair?
If you're experiencing damp, mould, or a landlord ignoring repairs in Newcastle, fill in the form below. A member of our team will be in touch.