If you’re struggling with leaks, black patches on walls or persistent musty smells, this Tenant Guide To Resolving Damp And Mould Issues quickly will help you understand your rights and what you can do. Damp and mould can be more than an inconvenience. They can cause health issues and damage your home, so it’s important to act as soon as they appear.
If you’re unsure what steps to take or feel your concerns are being ignored, The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) should be your first call. TPS offers tenants affordable legal support if landlords delay or refuse to address damp and mould issues, helping you enforce your rights quickly and effectively.
Your Rights and Landlord Responsibilities Around Damp and Mould
According to the UK’s Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), issues like damp and mould fall under “Category 1 hazards,” which means landlords must address them promptly. If the damp is caused by disrepair such as a broken gutter, leaking roof or rising damp, the landlord is legally responsible for fixing the issue.
Tenants are not expected to cover damp-related costs unless it’s proven to be caused entirely by how they live in the property. For example, drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation could contribute to condensation, but it doesn’t remove the responsibility from the landlord if structural repairs are needed.
Steps Tenants Can Take To Resolve Damp and Mould Issues
- Identify the cause: Is it a leak, poor ventilation, or rising damp? Take photos and note where and when the problem appears.
- Report it in writing: Notify your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. Always make a record of your communication for reference.
- Allow access for inspection: Your landlord has a duty to investigate and carry out necessary repairs, but they must give you at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Follow up if ignored: If there’s no response within 14 days, send a second request. Still no action? You can report the matter to your local council’s environmental health team.
Keep all communication clear, respectful and professional. Including dated photographs and written descriptions can speed things up, especially if there’s a delay in getting repairs started.
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 If Your Landlord Refuses to Act?
It’s essential not to ignore unaddressed damp and mould. If a landlord refuses to help or is slow to make repairs, tenants can escalate matters through the local authority. The council has the power to inspect the property and issue notices requiring the landlord to make repairs. In severe cases, they may impose fines.
Alternatively, if you’re living in social housing, you can file a complaint through the housing association’s complaints procedure. If unresolved, escalate the issue to the Housing Ombudsman Service. In private rentals, unresolved cases can go through a solicitor, especially when health is at risk.
How To Prevent Issues While Waiting for Repairs
- Open windows regularly or use extractor fans to reduce moisture build-up.
- Wipe down condensation from windows and walls daily.
- Avoid overfilling rooms with furniture, especially against external walls, as this can block airflow.
- Use a dehumidifier if you have one. Some councils temporarily provide them during repair disputes.
These steps can help limit the worsening of existing damp and mould, but they do not replace the landlord’s responsibility to fix the underlying problem.
When Legal Support Makes the Difference
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the issue remains unresolved. At that point, getting legal support can make a significant difference. If damp and mould are affecting your health, damaging your belongings or making part of your home unusable, legal advice may help you claim for compensation or force repairs to be made.
Make sure you gather documentation. Photos, GP letters, written complaints and council reports all serve as helpful evidence should you decide to take action.
Don’t suffer in silence. The earlier you act, the more likely it is you’ll have the problem resolved quickly. Landlords have clear legal obligations, and tenants have rights that protect them from living in poor conditions.
If you feel stuck or unsure how to proceed, help is available.
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.