If you’re a renter wondering how to dispute unfair landlord charges for mould, you’re not alone. Every year, many tenants across the UK face deductions from their deposit due to mould damage they didn’t cause. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve done your part to report issues or ventilate your home properly. The good news is, tenants have clear rights when it comes to mould and deposit deductions – and you can challenge these charges with facts and confidence.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) should be your first point of contact. TPS provides solicitor-backed support to help you stand up to unfair deposit deductions and assert your legal rights.
How To Dispute Unfair Landlord Charges For Mould: Understanding Your Rights
Landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of a property, including dealing with damp and mould linked to building issues like leaks or poor insulation. If mould develops due to structural problems or insufficient ventilation that you as a tenant can’t control, the landlord is usually liable, not you.
When you move out, your landlord may try to take money from your deposit claiming mould damage – but that doesn’t automatically make it fair. Tenancy deposit schemes in the UK require landlords to provide clear evidence that you were responsible for the issue.
In many cases, mould is a symptom of a deeper repair issue, and unless your landlord can prove you caused it through neglect, such as never opening windows or refusing to heat the property, you have grounds to dispute the charge.
Common Reasons Behind Unfair Mould Damage Deductions
- Structural disrepair: Mould caused by leaking roofs, window seals, or rising damp is the landlord’s responsibility.
- Poor ventilation: If the property lacks proper airflow or extractor fans, condensation will build up – a design flaw, not tenant negligence.
- No response to reports: If you notified your landlord about mould and they failed to act, they can’t later charge you for the outcome.
Steps You Can Take to Challenge the Deductions
- Gather evidence early: Take clear photos of the mould, ideally with timestamps. Save copies of emails or texts where you reported the issue. Written records can make all the difference.
- Request a breakdown of charges: Ask your landlord or agent for written justification, including receipts or reports showing what work was done to fix the mould damage.
- Check your inventory and tenancy agreement: Review the check-in report for notes about pre-existing mould or damp patches. Look for clauses about your responsibilities regarding moisture and airing the home.
- Respond via your deposit protection scheme: All legally protected deposits in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland must be held under an official scheme. Use the scheme’s dispute resolution service to formally challenge unfair deductions.
Every scheme – such as TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits – has its own process, but most give you 14 to 90 days from the end of your tenancy to raise a dispute. Make sure you act quickly and provide all relevant documentation upfront.
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).
When to Escalate the Dispute Further
If your landlord refuses to cooperate or your deposit scheme determines the landlord has a valid claim (despite your evidence), you may consider escalating the dispute. You can:
- Make a formal complaint to your local council’s private rented housing team if the property was unsafe or poorly maintained.
- Consider filing a claim in the small claims court if the deposit scheme can’t resolve the issue or if your deposit wasn’t protected at all.
Keep in mind that civil court action should be a last resort. It involves time, potential costs, and the need for strong evidence. However, if your claim is solid and the landlord acted unfairly, this may be a worthwhile path.
Why It’s Important Not to Ignore Unfair Charges
Letting an unjust deposit deduction slide may seem easier than disputing it, but it sets a dangerous precedent. If landlords think they can get away with it, they will continue making unfair claims against future tenants. More importantly, that money is yours – and if you’ve lived in the property responsibly, you deserve to get it back.
By standing up for your rights and following the proper steps, you not only protect your finances but also hold landlords accountable to the law. Don’t wait around or hope the situation will resolve itself. Be proactive and organised – that’s your best route to a fair outcome.
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.