Dealing with damp and mould in a rented home

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Report the problem promptly

Photograph mould, damp patches, peeling finishes and damaged possessions. Note when the problem began, where it returns and whether there is a leak, cold wall or failed extractor. Write to the landlord and offer inspection times. Explain any health risk clearly; seek medical help according to symptoms rather than waiting for a housing dispute to finish.

Mould requires investigation of the cause, rather than simply wiping the wall. The government guidance for England ↗ describes leaks, water penetration, inadequate heating, ventilation and condensation. Several causes may operate together.

What to request from the owner

Ask for an inspection, findings about the cause, a remedial plan and dates. Establish whether the roof, pipes, gutters, windows, heating and ventilation will be checked as appropriate. Painting over mould without fixing the moisture source does not solve the problem. Uncertain causes need qualified assessment rather than a guess from one photograph.

Shelter's private renting guidance ↗ explains the owner's responsibility for relevant defects and unsafe conditions; response times depend on severity and residents' vulnerability. Blaming “lifestyle” does not replace inspection of the building. Allow agreed access and keep inspection findings.

Practical measures at home

Use working extractors, leave ventilation openings unobstructed and ventilate after cooking and bathing where safe. Monitor recurring moisture. If heating or extraction is defective, or conditions prevent safe use, report that in writing.

A very small area may be cleaned using a suitable product according to its instructions, with protection and ventilation. Large areas and concealed mould need professionals. Do not strip contaminated wallpaper or carpets yourself or mix cleaning chemicals. A dehumidifier can reduce humidity but cannot repair a leaking roof or pipe, and does not transfer repair responsibility to the tenant.

If it returns or is ignored

Continue your dated photographic log. Send a further complaint and contact the council's environmental health or private renting team to request a hazard assessment. Continue paying rent; compensation, temporary accommodation and court remedies depend on the circumstances.

Do not apply the special social housing deadlines under Awaab's Law to every private tenancy. The current Housing Hub ↗ places introduction of that part of the private sector reforms in later phases. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules. Arrange a follow-up after the work: having no visible marks on painting day does not establish that the underlying cause has been removed.