Who is responsible for damp and mould?
Who should sort out damp and mould often depends on what the cause is.
Your council or housing association should fix damp and mould if it's either:
caused by a problem in your home, like a repair issue
making your home unfit to live in
There are also things tenants should do as part of looking after their home that can cut down on damp and mould.
This page tells you:
What tenants are responsible for
You need to:
air out your home regularly
keep up with ordinary cleaning
look after your home and try not to damage things
do small jobs, like wiping condensation from windows
This is sometimes called 'acting in a tenant like manner'. This might be mentioned in your tenancy agreement.
Tell your landlord if it's difficult for you to look after your home properly. For example, if you cannot do some jobs because you're disabled.
It's your responsibility to tell your landlord about any problems in your home. For example, a leaking pipe or broken extractor fan.
Am I responsible for condensation?
Some condensation is caused by things you do every day. But looking after your home includes dealing with condensation.
Sometimes you cannot deal with condensation yourself.
Tell your landlord if there is condensation because:
repairs need doing, for example, a leak is making your home wet
your home is cold even though you use central heating
you cannot air out your home properly
Tell your landlord if it costs too much to heat your home properly. They can help.
Should I deal with mould?
Regular cleaning can help get rid of mould.
Places that get wet or have condensation need to be cleaned or wiped often. This includes:
kitchens
bathrooms
bedroom windows and sills
Take care when cleaning bad mould.
Wear rubber gloves and a face mask.
Always read the instructions on any cleaning products you use.
Tell your landlord if condensation and mould:
come back quickly after cleaning
appear in other places, like walls and ceilings
This might be something your landlord has to fix.
Find out what your landlord should do if there's a problem in your property.
If you're worried about mould in your home, ask your landlord for help.
They should:
inspect your home to find the cause of mould
give you tips on how to deal with mould
fix problems in the property
Check your tenant handbook or your landlord's website for more information.
What your landlord is responsible for
Your landlord should always investigate properly and make sure they know what's causing damp and mould in your home.
They should not just say it's your responsibility.
Your landlord has to fix things that can cause damp and mould. For example:
faulty pipes
leaking roofs
broken gutters
damaged brickwork
broken extractor fans
They are also responsible for dealing with rising damp if the damp proof course does not work or the property is not safe.
Rising damp happens when water from the ground soaks up into walls. Fixing this can be difficult and take a lot of work.
Read more about your landlord's repair responsibilities.
Should your landlord treat mould?
Your landlord has to deal with mould if it is:
caused by a problem with the property
making your home not fit to live in
For example, if the roof leaks your landlord should fix it. They should then deal with any damp and mould the leak has caused.
When your landlord is responsible for a damp problem, they may also have to:
redecorate if damp has damaged wallpaper or paint
replace mouldy carpets and flooring
Your landlord should not just clean or paint over mould if it's being caused by something more serious. They should make sure the cause is fixed properly.
Can my landlord help with condensation?
Your landlord might have to deal with things that make condensation worse, like not enough insulation or air flow in your home. This could include:
adding more insulation
putting in extractor fans
installing better windows
Need more advice?
Last updated: 30 October 2024
