If you’re living with damp and mould, you’re not being “too fussy” , you're dealing with something that can affect your health, your belongings, and your quality of life. And you shouldn’t have to put up with it in a rented home.

The frustrating bit is that damp and mould can drag on for months when landlords ignore repairs, blame “condensation”, or send someone round to wipe the wall and call it done. But you do have rights and there are clear responsibilities landlords must follow once they know there’s a problem.

In England, the English Housing Survey has found damp is more common in private rented homes (9%) than in owner-occupied homes (4%).

What counts as damp and mould (and why it matters)

Damp and mould usually show up as:

• Black spots or fuzzy patches on walls/ceilings

• Musty smells that don’t go away

• Peeling paint, bubbling plaster, or damp patches

• Condensation that’s constant (especially in bedrooms)

• Clothes and soft furnishings going mouldy

It’s not just cosmetic. Government health guidance links damp and mould exposure to respiratory symptoms like cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath, and it can increase infection risk for some people.

Your landlord’s responsibilities

Most damp and mould issues have an underlying cause and landlords are expected to deal with the cause, not just the visible mould.

Depending on what’s driving the problem, that can include:

• Fixing leaks (roofing, gutters, pipes, bathrooms, radiators)

• Repairing damaged windows/brickwork letting water in

• Sorting ventilation (extractor fans that actually work, air bricks, trickle vents)

• Addressing heating/hot water issues that make it hard to keep the home warm and dry

• Dealing with structural issues that create persistent moisture

Landlords also have general repair obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (structure/exterior and key installations like plumbing and heating). And your home must be kept fit for human habitation, including “freedom from damp” as part of what’s considered fit.

If you’re in social housing, there are now stricter rules in England under Awaab’s Law (phased in from 27 October 2025) requiring social landlords to respond to serious damp and mould risks within set timeframes.

What you should do next (step-by-step)

1) Report it properly (and keep a record)

Tell your landlord/agent in writing. Be specific:

• Where it is (rooms/walls)

• How long it’s been happening

• Any health impact (especially for children, asthma, allergies)

• What you believe is causing it (if you know — leaks, broken fan, etc.)

Tip: If you can, send an email and also use the repairs portal/app so there’s a clear trail.

2) Gather evidence (this really helps)

Start a simple folder on your phone:

• Dated photos/videos (wide shot + close-up)

• Any visible leaks/damage

• Screenshots of messages and repair requests

• Receipts for ruined items (clothes, bedding, furniture)

• Notes of symptoms/medical visits if relevant

3) Give access but don’t accept “wipe and go”

If they send a contractor, let them inspect, but don’t let the landlord fob you off with a quick clean and paint job. If the mould returns, the root cause hasn’t been fixed.

4) Escalate if you’re being ignored

If your landlord won’t act, you can contact your local council’s environmental health / private sector housing team. Councils can inspect using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), where damp and mould growth is a recognised hazard.

Can you claim compensation for damp and mould?

In many cases, yes especially if:

• The problem has gone on for months

• You’ve reported it and nothing meaningful happened

• It’s affected your health, comfort, or belongings

• Your home has been partly unusable (e.g., bedroom/bathroom)

Compensation depends on how severe the issue is, how long it’s lasted, and how it’s affected you — but tenants often look for repairs to be enforced as well as financial compensation.

If you want to understand your options, Claim First’s Housing Disrepair Claims page explains the basics and what you may need to get started.

How Claim First can help

If you don’t want the stress of chasing, documenting, and arguing back and forth, you can get help through Claim First. They focus on making the process simple and handling the legwork especially for housing disrepair issues like damp, mould, and leaks.

FAQs

1) Can my landlord blame me for condensation?

They might try but it depends on the cause. If the home has poor ventilation, broken extraction, leaks, or inadequate heating systems, the landlord may still be responsible for fixing the underlying problem. The key is evidence: photos, repair reports, and a record showing you reported it.

2) What if I keep wiping the mould away but it comes back?

That usually means the cause hasn’t been fixed. Cleaning can help short-term, but landlords should address the reason moisture is building up (leaks, insulation gaps, ventilation failures, etc.). If it’s recurring, keep documenting it.

3) Will complaining get me evicted?

You have legal protections, and in social housing Awaab’s Law has strengthened expectations around damp and mould hazards in England. If you’re worried, keep everything in writing and get advice early rather than waiting until it becomes a bigger fight.

4) How long should repairs take once I report damp and mould?

There’s no single timeline for every tenancy type, but if damp and mould pose a serious risk (especially with children, asthma, or vulnerable residents), it should be treated urgently. If you’re in the social rented sector in England, there are now fixed timeframes for serious damp and mould hazards.

5) What evidence should I collect for a housing disrepair claim?

At minimum: dated photos/videos, copies of repair requests, any contractor reports, and details of how it’s affected you (rooms unusable, damaged belongings, health symptoms). Receipts and GP notes (if applicable) can also help.

6) Do I have to pay upfront to get help with a claim?

Claim First states they handle claims on a no win, no fee basis (no upfront costs). You can check the details on their FAQ’s page.

Ready to stop living with damp and mould?

You shouldn’t have to keep chasing repairs or living in a home that makes you feel unwell. If your landlord has ignored the problem or you’re stuck in the same cycle of “clean and paint” take the next step.

Start with Claim First’s Housing Disrepair Claims page to see if you can enforce repairs and claim compensation, or get in touch directly via Contact.