Learn your rights and get repairs done for damp, mould and wall problems. Understand landlord duties and how to claim compensation.
Damp, Mould and Wall Problems: What You Need to Know
Damp and mould can damage your home and your health. Wall problems like cracks or peeling paint can make things worse. If your landlord isn’t fixing these issues, you need to understand your rights.
This guide explains in plain English what landlords must do under the law and how you can get repairs and compensation.
Why Are Damp and Mould a Problem?
Damp happens when moisture builds up inside your home. It can cause mould, which looks like black or green patches on walls, ceilings, or around windows.
Common causes include:
- Leaks in roofs, pipes, or windows
- Poor ventilation
- Rising damp from the ground
- Condensation from heating and drying clothes indoors
Damp and mould can lead to:
- Damage to walls, wallpaper, paint and furniture
- Health problems like asthma, allergies and respiratory infections
Your Landlord’s Legal Duties
Your landlord must keep your home in good repair and safe to live in. Key laws include:
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11): Requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and drains.
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Makes sure your home is safe, healthy, and free from serious damp and mould.
- Defective Premises Act 1972: Applies if your landlord failed to take reasonable care when the property was built or repaired.
If your landlord ignores repair requests about damp, mould or wall problems, they may be breaking the law.
How to Report Damp and Mould Problems
First, tell your landlord or housing provider in writing about the problem. Keep a copy of your report and any replies.
Use clear photos to show the damp or mould and note when it appeared.
If your landlord doesn’t act, you can:
- Contact your local council’s environmental health team
- Seek advice from tenants’ rights groups
- Start a housing disrepair claim for repairs and compensation
Getting Repairs Done
Your landlord must fix the issue within a reasonable time. What is reasonable depends on the severity:
- Urgent problems like leaks causing damp should be fixed quickly.
- Other issues may take longer but shouldn’t be ignored.
If the repairs are delayed, your home may not be fit to live in, and you could claim compensation.
Claiming Compensation for Damp and Mould
Tenants can claim compensation for:
- Stress and inconvenience caused by disrepair
- Damage to belongings
- Health problems linked to damp or mould
Compensation is often between 20% and 50% of the rent you paid during the affected period.
Claims must usually be made within six years of the problem starting.
What Happens in a Housing Disrepair Claim?
Housing disrepair claims often involve:
- A free claim check by specialist housing solicitors who understand landlord obligations
- An independent surveyor inspecting your home
- Solicitors dealing with your landlord to get repairs done
- No win, no fee arrangements, so you don’t pay unless the claim succeeds
To learn more, see our pages on landlord obligations and claiming compensation.
What to Do Next
- Report the damp or mould problem to your landlord in writing
- Take photos and keep records
- Contact a specialist housing disrepair service for a free claim check
- Remember, you have up to six years to make a claim
If you want to understand more about housing disrepair claims, visit our claims page and our guide on common issues with housing conditions.
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Remember, you have rights to live in a safe, warm, and dry home. Don’t suffer in silence if your landlord ignores damp, mould or wall problems.
