Living with mould is not just unpleasant—it’s hazardous. Mould in rented properties is a common issue in the UK, and it poses serious risks to both your health and the structure of your home. Unfortunately, many tenants are forced to live in such conditions due to landlord negligence. If you’re one of them, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to resolve the issue.

The housing disrepair compensation claims are here to support you in holding landlords accountable and making your home a safe and habitable space once again.

What Causes Mould in Rented Properties?

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and poorly ventilated environments. It appears as black, green, or white patches and often grows on walls, ceilings, window frames, and even furniture.

The most common causes of mould include:

Condensation from poor insulation or ventilation

Leaking pipes or roofs

Rising damp from the ground

Structural damage allowing moisture to enter

Drying clothes indoors without adequate airflow

While some causes may relate to tenant habits, most mould problems in rental properties stem from issues that fall under the landlord’s responsibility.

The Health Risks of Mould Exposure

Living in a mould-infested home is not only uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Exposure to mould spores can lead to a variety of health issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly residents, and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma or eczema.

Health problems associated with mould include:

Respiratory infections

Chronic coughing and wheezing

Sinus congestion and eye irritation

Asthma attacks

Skin rashes

Fatigue and headaches

If mould is impacting your health, you should not ignore the issue or wait for it to get worse. Seek medical advice and report the situation to your landlord immediately.

Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities

UK law clearly states that landlords are responsible for keeping their properties in good repair. This includes preventing and addressing damp and mould caused by structural defects or lack of ventilation.

Key legal duties include:

Ensuring proper ventilation systems in kitchens and bathrooms

Fixing leaky pipes or roofs that lead to damp and mould

Treating rising or penetrating damp

Repairing windows that fail to keep out moisture

Ensuring the property is fit for human habitation

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, failure to address these issues can be grounds for legal action.

Identifying the Source of the Problem

Before you begin a claim, it’s helpful to understand where the mould is coming from. If the issue results from:

A structural defect (e.g., roof leaks or broken windows), the landlord is fully responsible.

A plumbing issue (e.g., leaking pipes), the landlord is responsible.

Lack of ventilation due to design flaws or missing extractor fans, the landlord is responsible.

Tenant lifestyle (e.g., not opening windows or drying clothes indoors), the tenant may share some responsibility.

A professional surveyor can help determine the cause, which strengthens your case in a housing disrepair claim.

Reporting the Mould Problem

To initiate the process, report the mould issue to your landlord or letting agent in writing. Include:

Photos and videos of the mould

Date of first appearance

Any health problems or property damage caused

A request for urgent repairs

Always keep copies of your communication, as this documentation will be useful if legal action becomes necessary.

What if Your Landlord Doesn’t Take Action?

If your landlord fails to act within a reasonable time (usually 14–21 days), you can escalate the matter by:

Contacting your local council’s Environmental Health Department

Seeking legal advice from a housing disrepair solicitor

Starting a formal disrepair claim with support from a team like Housing Disrepair Team UK

Delaying action only allows the problem to worsen. Mould spreads quickly and can permanently damage your property and your health.

Compensation for Mould-Related Issues

If your landlord has neglected their duty and you’ve suffered as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Health issues caused by mould exposure

Damage to personal property (clothes, furniture, electronics)

Distress and inconvenience

Increased heating costs due to damp and cold conditions

Loss of use of certain rooms in your home

Compensation amounts vary based on the extent of damage and duration of the disrepair. A professional housing disrepair service can help you assess your potential claim.

How Housing Disrepair Team UK Can Help

The Housing Disrepair Team UK has extensive experience in helping tenants across the country. We offer:

Free consultations

No-win, no-fee representation

Help with gathering evidence

Legal action against landlords who neglect repairs

Support in obtaining compensation

We handle all communication with your landlord and legal paperwork, allowing you to focus on your health and family while we fight on your behalf.

Preventing Mould in the Future

While you can’t control your landlord’s actions, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of mould:

Open windows daily to improve airflow

Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms

Avoid drying clothes indoors without ventilation

Wipe away condensation from windows

Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow air to circulate

That said, prevention is only effective when the property is structurally sound and properly maintained—something your landlord is legally required to ensure.

Conclusion

Mould is not just an unsightly inconvenience—it’s a health hazard and a clear sign of housing disrepair. If your landlord has failed to resolve the problem, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

With the help of Housing Disrepair Team UK, you can take action, secure compensation, and restore your right to live in a safe and healthy home. Reach out today for expert support and make your home a mould-free environment once again.