Damp & Mould
Can You Claim for Damp and Mould in a Rented Home?
Author: [BRAND_NAME] Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Independent legal review pending
Published 2026-06-26
Quick answer
If you rent your home and damp or mould has been caused by a disrepair your landlord is responsible for — such as a leak, a failed damp-proof course or inadequate ventilation — and they have not fixed it within a reasonable time after being told, you may be able to ask a specialist to review whether you can claim repairs and compensation.
Key points
- Landlords in England and Wales must keep the structure and exterior of a let property in repair and the home fit to live in.
- You usually need to have reported the problem and given the landlord a reasonable chance to fix it.
- Photographs, dates, and copies of messages are the most useful evidence to keep.
- There are free routes too — the landlord’s complaints process and your landlord’s complaints process or council.
- This guide is general information and a guide only. A specialist decides whether a claim can proceed.
Who is responsible for damp and mould?
Most tenancies carry repairing obligations set by law. Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are generally responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of the property in repair, and for installations for water, gas, electricity, heating and sanitation. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 also requires rented homes to be fit to live in, which can include being free from serious damp and mould.
Not all damp is the landlord’s legal responsibility. Condensation caused only by how a property is used can be more complicated, although inadequate ventilation, heating or insulation that the landlord should address can still be relevant. A specialist looks at the cause and the landlord’s response.
What should you do first?
- Report the damp or mould to your landlord or letting agent in writing, and keep a copy.
- Take clear, dated photographs of each affected room or area.
- Keep any replies, repair reference numbers, or missed-appointment notes.
- If the problem is serious or affects health, ask the landlord to inspect promptly.
When might a specialist review help?
If you have reported the problem, given the landlord a reasonable opportunity to fix it, and the damp or mould remains, a specialist may be able to review whether you can claim. A claim can seek an order for the repairs to be carried out and, in some cases, compensation. Whether a claim is possible depends on the facts, the evidence, and time limits.
We are a service. With your permission we may introduce your enquiry to an our team who will decide whether they can assist.
Free routes worth knowing about
- Use your landlord’s formal complaints procedure.
- If you rent from a social landlord, you may be able to use your landlord’s formal complaints process.
- Your local landlord’s complaints process can inspect serious hazards.
- free local advice services offer free guidance.
You may not need us — free routes first
You can often resolve repairs for free. Depending on your situation you may be able to:
- report repairs to your landlord in writing and keep a dated copy;
- use your landlord’s formal complaints process;
- take dated photos and keep a record of what you reported and when;
- give your landlord a reasonable chance to put things right.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I claim if the mould keeps coming back after the landlord “fixes” it?
- Possibly. If works have been done but the underlying problem returns, that may indicate the repair was not effective. Keep a record of each occurrence and report it again in writing. We may be able to review whether the ongoing problem supports a claim.
- Do I need medical evidence to start?
- No. You do not need medical details to complete the initial assessment. If health has been affected, a specialist may discuss appropriate evidence later, but it is not required at the enquiry stage.
- Will making a claim affect my tenancy?
- The law protects tenants from being penalised for asking for repairs. If you are worried about your tenancy or are facing possession proceedings, mention this so it can be reviewed carefully.
Sources
RemedyBridge provides a free initial check for housing disrepair problems in England & Wales. The result is a guide only and never tells you that you definitely have a claim. Checking your situation is free.