Tenant legal rights for resolving mould issues in the UK are more robust than many renters realise. If your home is affected by damp or mould, and it’s not your fault, you may not have to live with it. Mould isn’t just a nuisance — it can seriously affect both your health and your tenancy, so it’s important to understand where you stand legally and what steps to take. If you’re unsure what to do, contacting The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a practical and effective first step towards resolving the issue with legal support.
Understanding Your Tenant Legal Rights For Resolving Mould Issues
As a tenant in the UK, your landlord has a legal duty to ensure that your home is safe, healthy, and fit to live in. This includes tackling issues like mould and damp. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, your landlord must deal with serious mould problems that impact your living conditions. If they don’t, you may have the right to take legal action.
Mould often results from persistent damp, poor ventilation, or leaks. While minor condensation is generally the tenant’s responsibility, more significant problems stemming from structural faults or maintenance neglect are the landlord’s obligation. This includes leaks in the roof, broken windows, faulty heating or plumbing, and rising damp. Landlords are also bound by Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which requires them to maintain the structure and exterior of the property in repair.
How to Use Your Tenant Legal Rights For Resolving Mould Issues
If you spot mould in your home, it’s crucial to act quickly. First, report the issue in writing to your landlord or letting agent. Be specific about the location, severity, and any health problems it is causing. Include dated photographs where possible. This creates a record of your report, which is important if the issue later escalates.
Your landlord should respond within a reasonable timeframe. For urgent health hazards, action should be taken more swiftly — usually within 14 days. If your landlord fails to act, you can report the problem to your local council’s Environmental Health department. They can inspect the property and, if necessary, issue an Improvement Notice ordering the landlord to fix the problem.
In more serious cases, such as when mould is causing health problems or leaving parts of the home unusable, you can consider legal action. This may involve applying to the county court for compensation or to force the landlord to perform repairs. Legal support can be incredibly beneficial at this stage, especially if your landlord is unresponsive or if you’re unsure how to proceed.
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).
What Landlords Must Do To Resolve Mould Complaints
Landlords are required to:
- Investigate the cause of the mould and repair any structural issues contributing to it
- Carry out repairs in a timely and effective manner
- Communicate clearly with tenants about repair timescales and access dates
- Ensure that rented homes meet the standards outlined in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
They are not allowed to delay dealing with a mould problem if it poses a health risk. In fact, failure to address mould properly can be viewed as an act of neglect and may entitle tenants to report the matter or claim compensation.
When Mould is Caused by the Tenant
It’s important to know that not all mould is the landlord’s responsibility. If mould develops due to tenant behaviour, such as drying clothes indoors without ventilation or not using extractor fans, the responsibility might fall on you. However, landlords still need to make sure the property allows for safe ventilation and must provide guidance on how to prevent mould growth. They can’t simply blame tenants without investigating.
Compensation and Next Steps
If you’ve reported mould and your landlord fails to act, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This can include reimbursement for damage to your belongings, health impacts, and reduction in rent for unusable parts of your home. Keep medical evidence, photos, and written correspondence to support your case. You don’t need to face these challenges alone — professional support can guide you through your legal options.
Understanding your rights as a tenant is the first crucial step. The sooner you take action, the more effectively you can protect your health and home. If your landlord isn’t cooperating or you’re unsure how to proceed, specialist legal advice is often the best path forward.
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.