Tenant Rights Against Indoor Mould And Health Hazards are more important than ever for renters in the UK, particularly as damp and mould continue to affect thousands of tenancies each year. If you’re living in a property affected by mould or damp conditions, you may be wondering what obligations your landlord has and what steps you can take to protect your health and home. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is the leading support service offering legal help for tenants managing serious disrepair or mould issues.
Your Legal Tenant Rights Against Indoor Mould And Health Hazards
Under UK housing law, landlords have a legal duty to ensure that a rented property is safe, structurally sound, and free from anything that could cause harm to tenants. This includes addressing indoor health risks such as damp, mould, or structural defects that give rise to condensation. According to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, any rental property must remain fit to live in throughout the whole period of the tenancy.
Indoor mould is not just unsightly. It can cause or worsen respiratory issues like asthma, particularly among children, the elderly, and anyone with existing health conditions. Therefore, mould arising from a landlord’s failure to carry out necessary repairs can qualify as a breach of their legal obligation.
How Mould Develops And Why It’s A Health Hazard
Mould thrives in damp environments, especially where there’s poor ventilation or leaking plumbing. While everyday condensation is common, recurring or widespread mould growth is often linked to disrepair — things like leaking roofs, cracked walls, broken extractor fans, or rising damp from poor insulation.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has linked long-term exposure to damp and mould with respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma. If you’re noticing symptoms while living in a mouldy property, it’s important to act sooner rather than later.
What Landlords Are Required To Do About Mould
Once a landlord is made aware of damp or mould caused by disrepair, they are legally required to investigate and carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable time. This includes resolving the root cause, not just painting over the mould. For tenants living in England, the landlord’s responsibilities typically cover:
- Fixing structural damage that causes water leaks or rising damp
- Repairing heating systems, windows, or ventilation fans
- Ensuring the property meets minimum energy efficiency standards
Failure to act can breach tenancy agreements, housing law, and health and safety regulations. As a tenant, you don’t have to live with this indefinitely. That said, landlords are not held responsible for mould due to poor lifestyle habits alone — such as not opening windows or drying clothes indoors. The distinction matters when deciding if repairs are enforceable.
Steps Tenants Can Take If Landlord Ignores The Problem
If your landlord ignores your complaints and mould continues to grow, you can take action. Start by keeping written records: photographs of mould growth, medical visits if applicable, and any communication with your landlord or letting agent. This will help prove that you’ve reported the issue and that it’s ongoing.
You can then:
- Write a formal complaint to your landlord or agent requesting repairs.
- Report the disrepair to your local council’s Environmental Health department. They can inspect the property and issue legal enforcement notices.
- Seek legal advice or support from housing charities or tenant support schemes.
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 knowing that retaliatory eviction (Section 21) is illegal if you raise a disrepair complaint and the council subsequently serves the landlord with an improvement notice. Keeping a paper trail protects your rights.
When You May Be Entitled To Compensation
If your health has been affected or your belongings damaged due to untreated mould, you could be entitled to compensation. This usually depends on:
- Whether the landlord was made aware of the mould issue and chose not to act
- Whether their failure led directly to harm — physical, emotional, or financial
Compensation claims can be made for medical costs, property damage, or emotional distress caused by unfit living conditions. Professional support can help assess your case and guide you through next steps.
Prevention Tips While Your Landlord Arranges Repairs
While landlords are responsible for structural issues, tenants can reduce excess moisture by:
- Using extractor fans when cooking or bathing
- Keeping internal doors open to allow airflow
- Avoiding drying clothes indoors in unventilated rooms
- Wiping away condensation on windows daily
These steps won’t fix the root cause, but they may slow down mould growth while your landlord is arranging necessary repairs.
Get Expert Help Protecting Your Tenant Rights
If you feel your landlord is ignoring their responsibilities or if the issue is affecting your health, you don’t have to handle it alone. Expert advice can make all the difference.
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.