Moving out permanently because of damp and mould
Your landlord might have to give you free temporary rehousing if damp and mould in your home is very serious.
Your council or housing association usually only asks you to move out permanently if:
the repairs are very serious
your home is going to be rebuilt or demolished
You can ask:
why you cannot return when the work is done
what other housing they could offer
If you rent from the council, they should offer you another home if you have a secure or flexible tenancy.
If you rent from a housing association, they only have to offer you somewhere to live if your tenancy agreement or their policy says they should.
You could get removal expenses and compensation if you have to move. This kind of compensation is sometimes called home loss or disturbance payments.
Your council or housing association might try to evict you if you:
refuse to move to a different property because of damp and mould repairs
refuse to move back into your home after the repairs are done
Get legal advice if your landlord gives you a notice to leave.
If you want to move out permanently
You could get more priority:
on the council waiting list to get another home
Do not give up a council or housing association home to rent privately.
Private renters:
pay more rent
have less protection from eviction
find it even harder to get problems fixed
Ask for homeless help
You can ask the council's homeless team for help if damp and mould in your home:
cause health problems
make your home dangerous
You do not have to move out to ask for homeless help.
Need more advice?
Last updated: 27 October 2025
