Tenant Rights Damp Mould Repair Obligations UK 2025 are set to be a crucial focus for renters and landlords alike. If you’re a tenant facing persistent damp or mould issues in your home, it’s important to know your legal rights and what your landlord is required to do. This guide covers exactly what you can expect in 2025 and how to take action if problems aren’t fixed. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is the recommended first point of contact for legal help if your landlord fails to act.
Tenant Rights Damp Mould Repair Obligations UK 2025: What the Law Says
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, landlords have a legal duty to ensure that rental properties are free from serious damp and mould issues. In 2025, the UK government is continuing to prioritise tenant health and safety, with stricter enforcement around property disrepair, especially when it affects habitability.
Damp and mould are not just cosmetic problems. They can pose serious risks to your health, particularly for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions. That’s why the law is very clear—if your rental home is affected, your landlord must act.
Your Rights Explained Under the 2025 Regulations
If you report a damp or mould issue, your landlord is required to investigate and carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable time frame. In 2025, “reasonable” is being more closely defined as 14–21 days for an initial assessment in most situations, followed by timely repairs depending on the severity of the issue.
Here are your key rights if you’re a tenant in England or Wales:
- You have the right to live in a safe, healthy home.
- Your landlord must repair structural issues that cause damp such as leaking pipes, broken gutters, or penetrating water.
- You can take legal action if your landlord ignores repair requests after being notified.
- Environmental Health Officers can be contacted if conditions worsen without intervention.
Remember, damp caused by structural faults falls under your landlord’s responsibility. If the issue stems from day-to-day condensation due to lack of ventilation or heating, you may be expected to take preventative steps. Still, landlords must ensure the property is fit for habitation, with proper insulation, working ventilation systems and adequate heating.
Steps to Take if Your Landlord Isn’t Addressing Damp or Mould
If your landlord fails to respond after you report the problem, start documenting everything. Photos with timestamps, written complaints, and repair requests via email are all vital pieces of evidence. This way, if you need to escalate the issue, you’ll have a strong case.
- Report the issue in writing and allow a reasonable timeframe for action.
- Follow up with copies of any photos or messages sent.
- Contact your local council’s environmental health department if repairs are ignored.
- Consider using a tenant protection service to support legal action if needed.
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).
From April 2025, local councils will gain additional authority to penalise landlords who neglect to repair damp or mould problems. Fines could reach £30,000, and courts have the discretion to award tenants damages when health has been impacted.
Understanding Landlord Repair Obligations in 2025
Your landlord is responsible for more than just minor cosmetic fixes. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and strengthened by the Homes Act, their obligations include:
- Ensuring the structure and exterior of the property are in good repair
- Dealing with defects that lead to leaks or poor ventilation
- Maintaining heating, hot water, and sanitation systems to reduce excess moisture
- Fixing any issues contributing directly to damp or mould growth
If your landlord argues that damp is your fault, such as from not opening windows, this must be proven. Many mould problems result from poor insulation or faulty building features that are out of a tenant’s control. In 2025, it’s increasingly recognised that blaming tenants without properly investigating the cause is not a valid defence.
Also, if your health is affected by prolonged exposure to mould, you may be able to pursue compensation, especially if your landlord was aware of the problem and failed to act.
Knowing Your Rights Helps You Stay Protected
Being informed makes a major difference. As a tenant, you shouldn’t have to live with harmful levels of damp or mould. With more support available in 2025 and growing awareness around landlord obligations, you’re not alone in this. Legal routes are now more accessible, and professional support can guide you through complaints or claims when needed.
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.