Mould and Damp in Rented Property
Your rights when dealing with mould. Awaab's Law, landlord responsibilities, and how to get repairs done.
Mould and damp are serious health hazards. Your landlord is responsible for structural causes of damp, and Awaab's Law now requires them to act on hazardous conditions.
Awaab's Law - New Protections
Following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak from mould exposure, new regulations require landlords to respond to damp and mould reports within specific timeframes.
- Landlords must investigate within 14 days of a report
- Emergency hazards must be dealt with within 24 hours
- Non-emergency hazards must be repaired within 7 days
- Applies to social housing now, extending to private rentals
Landlord vs Tenant Responsibility
Your landlord is responsible for structural damp caused by defects in the building. You may be responsible for condensation caused by lifestyle factors, but the landlord must provide adequate ventilation and heating.
- Rising damp - landlord's responsibility
- Penetrating damp (water coming through walls/roof) - landlord's responsibility
- Condensation from inadequate ventilation or heating - usually landlord
- Condensation from excessive moisture generation - may be shared responsibility
Even if mould is caused by condensation, your landlord may still be responsible if the property lacks adequate ventilation or is poorly insulated.
Health Impacts
Mould can cause serious health problems, especially for children, elderly people, and those with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.
If anyone in your household is experiencing health problems that may be related to mould (breathing difficulties, allergies, skin irritation), see your GP and keep a record. This strengthens any claim against your landlord.
Steps to Take
- Report the problem to your landlord in writing with photos
- Keep windows open when cooking/showering where possible
- Note any health effects and visit your GP if needed
- If landlord doesn't respond, contact Environmental Health
- They can inspect and issue an improvement notice
Official Sources
Need more help?
Get free, confidential advice from housing experts.
Related Guides
Illegal Eviction - What To Do
Emergency guide if your landlord changes the locks or tries to force you out without a court order.
10 minLandlord Won't Do Repairs - Your Options
Step-by-step guide when your landlord ignores repair requests. Environmental Health, legal action, and more.
12 minEmergency Repairs - What Counts and What To Do
No heating, no water, gas leak? Know what counts as an emergency and your landlord's obligations.
8 min