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.
If you are experiencing similar conditions in Newcastle, read our step-by-step housing disrepair guide, including template letters and how to request a council inspection. If you received an eviction notice after reporting disrepair, it may be a revenge eviction, read our eviction help guide.
What we did about it
Food & Solidarity members do not face these situations alone. When JP and Shamme came to us, we did not just offer advice. We stood alongside them. This is what direct action looks like in practice, and why we operate on solidarity, not charity.
"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 Act 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 who died from prolonged exposure to mould in social housing. It requires social landlords to investigate and fix hazardous living conditions within set timeframes. The Renters' Rights Act, expected to come into force on 1 May 2026, extends these protections to the private rented sector for the first time.
What the Renters' Rights Act means for private renters
- Landlords must investigate damp and mould within a legally defined timeframe (from 1 May 2026)
- Section 21 no-fault evictions are being abolished from 1 May 2026
- 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 a Newcastle council block that we got fixed through collective action at a cabinet meeting, and our full housing disrepair guide for Newcastle tenants.
Read about our analysis of what the Renters' Rights Act does and does not change.
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 Newcastle City Council's Environmental Health team to request a formal inspection. This creates an official paper trail the landlord cannot ignore. Under Awaab's Law (extended to private renters from 1 May 2026), landlords will be legally required to investigate and fix hazardous conditions within set timeframes. Food & Solidarity can support you collectively through this. Read our full housing disrepair guide or 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 currently requires social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould within defined timeframes. The Renters' Rights Act, expected to come into force on 1 May 2026, extends the same obligations to private landlords for the first time. See our full guide to the Renters' Rights Act.
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. Call us on 07393 101018.
What is the Renters' Rights Act and when does Section 21 end?
The Renters' Rights Act is UK legislation strengthening private tenants' rights. Key changes include abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions from 1 May 2026, giving renters the right to challenge unfair rent increases, creating a landlord ombudsman, and applying Decent Homes Standards to private rentals for the first time. Section 21 is still currently legal in March 2026 but is being abolished in approximately six weeks. Read our full guide and our analysis of what it does and does not change.
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 do not just point you toward resources. We show up alongside you. Read our direct action page or see all our campaigns and victories.
Nobody should fight this alone.
JP and Shamme won because their community stood with them. That is what solidarity means. Join Food & Solidarity and help us stand with the next person who needs it.
Dealing with housing disrepair?
If you are experiencing damp, mould, or a landlord ignoring repairs in Newcastle, fill in the form below. A member of our team will be in touch. Or call us directly on 07393 101018.