If you’re battling a landlord over what seems like an unfair deduction from your deposit for mould damage, you’re not alone. Knowing how to challenge unfair mould deposit deductions UK can be the difference between losing hundreds of pounds and getting the refund you deserve.
How To Challenge Unfair Mould Deposit Deductions UK: Your Rights as a Tenant
Under UK law, landlords must only deduct from your deposit for damage you’ve caused beyond fair wear and tear. Mould is a tricky one, but unless you caused it through neglect — like not ventilating or failing to report it — mould is usually seen as a property maintenance issue. This means it’s often your landlord’s responsibility to fix it, not yours to pay for it.
If you’re unsure where you stand, it’s best to get professional support. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) helps tenants challenge wrongful deductions with solicitor-backed legal expertise you can trust.
The key is having proper evidence and understanding where the responsibility lies. If you’ve kept your home ventilated and reported mould as soon as it appeared, deductions are probably unfair.
Common Reasons Mould Deductions Happen — And Why They Might Be Unfair
Landlords sometimes argue that mould is due to poor ventilation by tenants. However, this isn’t always the case. Older homes, poor insulation, and broken extractor fans can all worsen the problem. If mould is due to a leak, faulty guttering, or a failure to act on your repair requests, the blame isn’t yours.
- No extractor fan or ventilation installed? That’s on your landlord.
- Reported mould but landlord took weeks to respond? You can use those messages as evidence.
- Mould near windows in winter despite airing out rooms? Likely a structural or insulation issue.
It’s essential to pinpoint the source when disputing a deduction. You don’t have to be a building expert, but you do need a record of what happened and when you acted.
Steps to Challenge a Mould-Related Deposit Deduction
- Request a written breakdown of the deductions. This prevents vague accusations like “property left in poor condition.”
- Gather your evidence. This includes check-in and check-out inventory reports, dated photos, repair requests, and emails or texts alerting the landlord about mould.
- Put your challenge in writing to the landlord or letting agent. Keep it polite and clear. Include your evidence and refer to your responsibilities and theirs as outlined in the tenancy agreement.
- If they don’t budge, start a dispute with your deposit scheme. All UK deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme like TDP, DPS, or MyDeposits. Each has a free adjudication process where you can present your side and evidence.
Timing is important. Most schemes require you to raise a dispute within three months of the end of your tenancy, so act quickly and stay organised.
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).
Useful Tips to Strengthen Your Case
- Take dated photos regularly, especially if issues emerge early. These build a story of what happened and when.
- Save all communications. Even text messages or WhatsApp chats can be accepted in disputes.
- Request repair records or letters from contractors if mould was treated. This helps show you didn’t cause it.
- Watch for retaliatory claims. If a landlord refuses to repair mould and then docks your deposit, it could be a breach of your rights.
It’s also smart to get expert advice early. Some tenants assume deductions are final or can’t be argued, but that’s simply not true.
Risks of Ignoring Unfair Deductions
If you don’t contest unjust deductions, not only do you lose out financially, it may affect your rental references. The landlord may record “property damage” on your record, making it harder to rent again. Moreover, if tenants collectively let these deductions slide, bad practices continue unchecked.
Standing up for your rights helps you and strengthens the standard for others renting in the UK housing sector.
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.