Housing Association Damp and Mould: Tenant Guide
Housing Repair Help Editorial Team · Reviewed by Reclaim Experts Ltd, FCA authorised (FRN 1030701). Editorial standards.
Published 30 September 2026. Last reviewed and updated 30 September 2026.
Housing association damp and mould should be reported in writing as soon as it appears. Photograph the affected rooms, explain any health concerns and ask your landlord to investigate the underlying cause—not simply wash or paint over the mould.
Report heavy growth, unsafe electrics near moisture, breathing difficulties, or damp affecting a child or vulnerable person as urgent. The landlord should assess risk and explain any immediate safety measures.
Signs and Risks Linked to damp and mould
Recurring Black Mould
Growth returns after cleaning or painting because the source has not been repaired
Penetrating Damp
Wet patches worsen during rain around roofs, walls, windows or pipework
Persistent Condensation
Water forms despite reasonable heating and ventilation, suggesting the home needs inspection
Health Effects
Coughing, wheezing or asthma symptoms worsen while household members are at home
Housing Association Repair Responsibility
Your housing association should investigate whether leaks, defective walls or roofs, inadequate fixed ventilation, insulation defects or another repair issue is causing the damp. Awaab's Law also sets duties for social landlords to investigate and address qualifying hazards within prescribed timescales.
Important: The cause and the tenancy facts matter. Ask for the inspection findings in writing and do not stop paying rent because a repair remains outstanding.
How to Report damp and mould
Report the Problem in Writing
Ask for Inspection and a Repair Plan
Update the Landlord if It Worsens
Make a Stage 1 Complaint to the Housing Association
Escalate to Stage 2 and the Housing Ombudsman
Damp and mould still unresolved?
If you reported the problem and your housing association has not put it right within a reasonable time, check whether it may qualify for further review.
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Evidence to Keep
Room-by-Room Photos
Wide and close dated images showing the extent and location of growth
Repair Reports
References, emails, portal messages and previous mould-treatment visits
Humidity and Temperature
Readings can help show the pattern but do not by themselves prove the cause
Health Records
Relevant GP notes, prescriptions and a diary of symptoms
When a Housing Disrepair Claim May Be Possible
A claim may be possible if your housing association was told about a defect within its responsibility, did not put it right within a reasonable time and the conditions caused a measurable impact.
Clear evidence that the landlord received notice
A defect the landlord was legally or contractually responsible for
An unreasonable delay, failed repair or refusal shown by dated records
Loss of use, inconvenience, damaged belongings, extra costs or health effects
Compensation is not automatic and there is no fixed tariff. Responsibility, notice, delay, causation and evidence must be assessed in every case.
Why Tenants Trust Us With Housing Disrepair Claims
Simple Online Process
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Frequently Asked Questions
Could you have a housing disrepair claim?
If you reported damp and mould and it has not been properly resolved, you may be able to make a claim.
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Related Guides
This article provides general information about housing issues in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. Legal services may be provided by independent solicitors where appropriate.