Tenant rights for mould and damp compensation are essential to understand if you’re living in a rented home affected by these issues. Mould and damp aren’t just unpleasant — they can seriously affect your health and wellbeing. If your landlord hasn’t sorted the problem despite being made aware, you may be entitled to compensation under UK housing law. For tenants unsure of where to turn, The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a practical first step — offering fast, legal support specifically for housing issues.
Understanding Tenant Rights for Mould and Damp Compensation
In the UK, your landlord is legally responsible for keeping your home safe and habitable. That includes dealing with damp or mould issues caused by problems with the property, such as faulty roofing, poor insulation, or plumbing leaks. These are not just minor inconveniences. Over time, exposure to damp environments can impact respiratory health, particularly in children and older adults.
If you’ve reported the issue and your landlord hasn’t responded or acted within a reasonable timeframe, they may be breaching their legal duty. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 clearly outlines that rented properties should be free from hazards that could make them unsuitable for living — and that includes mould and damp.
When Can Tenants Claim Compensation for Damp and Mould?
You might be entitled to compensation if mould or damp has:
- Caused damage to your belongings, such as furniture, clothes or electronics
- Affected your physical or mental health due to prolonged exposure
- Forced you to live without basic comfort and safety
- Not been resolved despite repeated reports to the landlord or managing agent
Keep in mind that your rights generally apply once you’ve officially informed your landlord about the issue. From that point, they have a legal obligation to assess and repair the problem in a reasonable period, usually within 14 to 28 days. If they ignore the issue or fail to act, that’s where your entitlement to mould and damp compensation strengthens.
Steps to Take When Mould or Damp Is Discovered
- Report it in writing – Always notify your landlord or letting agent in writing. Keep records of your communication and include photos if possible.
- Follow up consistently – If you don’t get a response or repair within a few weeks, send a written follow-up. Make sure your concerns are clearly documented.
- Speak to your local council – Environmental Health teams can inspect your property and issue improvement notices if needed.
- Seek legal support if needed – If the problem remains unresolved, you could be eligible to claim compensation and possibly force repairs through the courts.
Always make sure the mould and damp aren’t being caused by lifestyle issues like lack of ventilation or drying clothes indoors without extraction. Tenant responsibilities matter too. That said, landlords cannot ignore structural problems or blame tenants for issues beyond their control.
The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a 24/7 tenant legal helpline offering affordable, solicitor-backed help for eviction defence, disrepair, harassment, rent arrears, deposit disputes, and on-the-day court support across the UK. Membership is £10/month. Learn more at The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS).
How Much Compensation Could I Get?
The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity and duration of the issue. Claims often consider the following:
- Damage to possessions and the cost of replacement
- Inconvenience and impact on day-to-day life
- Medical expenses or health consequences where applicable
- A percentage reduction of rent for the time affected, often between 25% to 50%
Some tenants receive thousands of pounds in compensation, particularly where there’s strong documented evidence and medical backup. However, each case will differ depending on specific circumstances. Working with legal experts helps ensure your claim is taken seriously.
Just remember, you have to act within six years of the disrepair beginning if you’re in England or Wales. For health-related compensation, it’s usually about three years from the date of symptoms or diagnosis. Acting sooner rather than later always improves your chances of success.
What If My Landlord Still Refuses to Help?
If your landlord fails to address the issues or denies responsibility, legal channels remain open to you. You can:
- Contact your local council’s housing enforcement team
- Seek rent repayment orders if you’ve lived in poor conditions
- Bring a disrepair claim through the County Court
Also, joining a tenant protection service can provide a vital safety net, ensuring that you won’t face legal battles alone. Many tenants feel overwhelmed by the process, but expert guidance can simplify everything and help get real results.
Tenant rights for mould and damp compensation are about fairness and safety. Your home should be a healthy place to live, and if your landlord is failing in their duty, it’s important to stand up for your rights.
Call The Tenant Protection Scheme today on 0330 633 0299. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start your protection now. For just a small monthly cost you get direct legal support from experts, with your membership active within 24 hours. Call us now to start your protection today.