Living with damp and mould is more than just uncomfortable — it’s a serious issue that can impact your health, your home, and your peace of mind. If you’re renting, your landlord has a legal duty to maintain the property and deal with damp problems promptly. Unfortunately, many tenants find themselves stuck in unsafe or uninhabitable conditions due to landlord neglect.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to identify the causes of damp and mould, your rights as a tenant, and what you can do when your landlord fails to act. And if you’re struggling to get repairs done, the Disrepair Team is here to help ensure your rights are protected.
Understanding Damp and Mould
Damp and mould are often signs of underlying structural or maintenance issues in a property. They can develop due to:
Leaking pipes or roofs
Poor ventilation
Faulty heating systems
Rising damp from the ground
Condensation from inadequate insulation
If left unresolved, damp leads to mould — the fuzzy, musty-smelling fungus that grows on walls, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. Beyond the visible damage, mould spores can seriously affect your health.
Why Damp and Mould Are a Serious Problem
Mould and damp can cause or worsen various health conditions, especially in:
Children
The elderly
People with asthma or allergies
Those with weakened immune systems
Common symptoms linked to mould exposure include:
Persistent coughing
Breathing difficulties
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Skin rashes
Worsening asthma attacks
It’s not just a nuisance — it’s a risk to your health and safety, and landlords have a legal responsibility to take it seriously.
Your Landlord’s Legal Duties
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must:
Keep the property from hazards, including damp and mould
Maintain the structure of the property (roof, walls, windows)
Fix faulty plumbing or ventilation that causes moisture buildup
Act within a reasonable time after a repair is reported
If the damp or mould in your home is due to a repair issue — and not your lifestyle or use of the property — it is your landlord’s responsibility to fix it.
What Tenants Should Do First
Identify the Problem
Look for signs like black patches on walls or ceilings, peeling paint, a musty smell, or condensation on windows.
Document Everything
Take photos or videos of the affected areas.
Note when the problem started and how it’s affecting your health or belongings.
Report It in Writing
Notify your landlord or letting agent in writing (email is best). Describe the issue clearly and include photo evidence.
Keep a record of all correspondence.
Give Reasonable Time
For serious damp or mould, landlords should respond and take action within 14 days — sooner for health-threatening cases.
What If Your Landlord Ignores You?
If your landlord refuses to act, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You can:
Contact your local council
The Environmental Health department can inspect the property. If they find health hazards, they can issue an enforcement notice to your landlord.Seek legal advice and support
You may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim — not just to force repairs, but also to get compensation for the inconvenience, health impacts, and damaged belongings.
This is where the Disrepair Team comes in.
How the Disrepair Team Can Help
The Disrepair Team specialises in helping tenants across the UK take legal action when landlords fail to carry out essential repairs.
We can help you:
Get your home properly assessed
Force your landlord to fix damp and mould issues
Claim compensation for any health issues, stress, or damaged possessions
Our services are no-win, no-fee, meaning you don’t pay unless we succeed in helping you. You don’t need to fight your landlord alone — the Disrepair Team is here to stand with you.
👉 Learn more or start your assessment today at https://housing-disrepair-team.uk
What You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve suffered due to damp and mould, a legal claim may entitle you to compensation for:
Damage to clothes, furniture, or electronics
Illness caused or worsened by the damp
Inconvenience and discomfort
Time taken off work due to health problems
Cost of temporary accommodation (in some cases)
The amount depends on how severe the problem is and how long your landlord has failed to act.
Preventing Damp and Mould (When Possible)
While landlords are responsible for structural and maintenance issues, tenants can take small steps to help prevent mould, such as:
Opening windows regularly to ventilate
Using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
Avoiding drying clothes indoors where possible
Reporting leaks or broken heating immediately
However, if you’ve already taken these steps and damp or mould persists, it’s almost certainly a disrepair issue — and your landlord must fix it.
Final Thoughts
Damp and mould in your rented home aren’t just unpleasant — they’re a legal matter. Your health, safety, and well-being matter, and if your landlord isn’t responding, you have options.
If you’ve already reported the issue to your landlord with no results, it’s time to escalate things. The Housing Disrepair Team is here to support tenants like you. Get in touch with us for guidance and practical help to protect your rights.
