Housing Disrepair: Damp and Mould Rights Explained
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.
Damp and mould may amount to housing disrepair when they arise from a defect or hazard the landlord is responsible for and the landlord fails to act after being notified. The cause matters, so request an inspection and keep evidence before surfaces are treated.
Treat widespread mould, electrical contact with water, ceiling instability or breathing symptoms as urgent and explain household vulnerabilities in the report.
Signs and Risks Linked to damp and mould
Mould Returns
Cleaning does not resolve the source
Damp Tracks a Defect
Staining follows rain, a leak or damaged building element
Fixed Ventilation Fails
Extractor fans or heating provided with the home do not work
Living Conditions Worsen
Rooms, belongings or health are increasingly affected
Landlord Repair Responsibility
Landlords may need to repair leaking roofs and pipes, defective walls, windows, heating or fixed ventilation. Social landlords also have duties under Awaab's Law for qualifying hazards, while all rented homes must meet applicable repair and fitness standards.
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 Landlord
Escalate to Stage 2 and the Housing Ombudsman
Damp and mould still unresolved?
If you reported the problem and your landlord has not put it right within a reasonable time, check whether it may qualify for further review.
Check if you may qualifyFCA Regulated Claims Management Company FRN: 1030701
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Evidence to Keep
Photos Before Cleaning
Record location, scale and recurrence
Written Notice
Keep proof the landlord received the report
Inspection Findings
Retain surveyor, contractor or environmental health records
Impact Evidence
Record loss of use, damage, expenses and relevant health effects
When a Housing Disrepair Claim May Be Possible
A claim may be possible if your landlord 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
Answer a few guided questions from your phone or computer.
No Paperwork Hassle
Upload your evidence digitally, without printing or posting documents.
Quick Submission
Most claimants complete the process in under 15 minutes.
Experienced Legal Review
Every case is reviewed by our panel of SRA housing disrepair solicitors. No-Win-No-Fee.
Has your landlord failed to resolve damp and mould?
Answer 3 quick questions to see if you qualify. Takes about 30 seconds.
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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.