Tenant health risks from damp related disrepair are more common than many people realise, and they can have serious implications if left unaddressed. If you’re living in a rental property showing signs of persistent damp, mould or mildew, it’s not just a matter of comfort—it could be putting your health at risk. It’s also something your landlord is legally responsible for fixing under UK housing law. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is available to support you with legal guidance and protection if your landlord isn’t addressing disrepair properly.
Understanding Tenant Health Risks From Damp Related Disrepair
Damp problems can start small—like condensation on windows or a musty smell—but they quickly develop. When there’s damp in your home, it often leads to mould growth. Over time, this can trigger or worsen a variety of health problems, especially in households with children, elderly people or anyone with respiratory issues.
In particular, mould releases spores that can be breathed in. For some people these are merely irritating. For others, they can lead to more serious outcomes. Unfortunately, in many rental scenarios, damp is a result of structural disrepair, such as damaged roofs, leaking pipes or poor ventilation. These are not issues tenants are expected or able to fix on their own.
Common Health Effects Linked to Damp and Mould
- Respiratory complaints: Exposure to mould spores can lead to coughing, wheezing, and even asthma attacks. Those with asthma are at greater risk.
- Weakened immune responses: Constant exposure to damp air can put stress on the immune system, making it harder to fight off common colds and infections.
- Allergic reactions: Sneezing, skin rashes and watery eyes can all be signs that your body is reacting to mould spores in your home.
- Sinus problems and headaches: In some cases, living in a damp property has been linked to chronic sinus infections and ongoing headaches.
Over time, these issues can significantly affect your quality of life. If children are affected, it can also impact their development and schooling. That’s why it’s so important not to ignore signs of damp, particularly when it’s persistent or extensive.
Your Landlord’s Legal Duties Around Damp and Disrepair
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord is legally obliged to keep your home safe and in repair. This includes dealing with problems like rising damp, leaking roofs, broken guttering and any structural issues causing mould growth. If your landlord fails to take action once notified, they may be breaching their responsibilities under UK housing law.
It’s important to report damp problems in writing and keep a record of any communication. If your landlord doesn’t respond or fails to fix the problem within a reasonable timeframe, you may be able to take further legal action. In some cases, you could also be entitled to claim compensation for the impact the disrepair has had on your health and wellbeing.
How to Protect Yourself From Damp Related Disrepair
If you’re dealing with damp now, here are some practical steps:
- Document the problem: Take photos of the damp areas and note when symptoms or smells appear.
- Report it formally: Send a written complaint to your landlord or letting agent, and keep a copy of the message.
- Follow up: If you don’t see action within 14 days, contact your local council’s environmental health team.
- Seek professional support: Organisations like the Tenant Protection Scheme can offer legal guidance and support with housing disrepair cases.
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).
It’s worth recognising that the health risks linked to damp often worsen during colder months when windows are shut and humidity rises indoors. Keeping your home ventilated can help, but if the moisture is coming from structural faults, only repairs will solve the issue long term.
Remember, it’s not your responsibility to pay for these repairs. In many cases, attempting to fix damp or mould issues yourself could even void your legal rights. Instead, it’s better to follow the correct reporting process and seek expert help if things don’t improve quickly.
If you’re unsure how bad the problem is, a surveyor or environmental officer can assess the level of risk in your property. This can be especially useful if you’re considering a legal claim because of the impact on your health.
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.