Who is responsible for damp and mould
This advice is for council and housing association tenants.
We have different advice about damp and mould for private tenants.
This page tells you:
What your landlord is responsible for
Your council or housing association must 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
Serious damp and mould that makes your home unsafe could be a hazard. This means it could harm you or someone you live with if not fixed quickly.
If there's serious damp and mould in your home, your council or housing association must investigate and make your home safe within set timescales.
More about serious damp and mould your landlord must fix.
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
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 might 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.
Should 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
Your landlord must investigate why there is condensation in your home. They should not tell you it's your fault without investigating first.
Video: Who is responsible for damp and mould?
Video transcript
It can be difficult to work out who is responsible for damp and mould.
The short answer is it depends on what is causing the problem. Both you or your landlord could be responsible for dealing with damp and mould depending on why it's happening.
As a tenant, you should look after your home and clean regularly. You should also do what you can to deal with condensation.
For example:
let fresh air in
heat your home
use extractor fans
keep the kitchen and bathroom door shut while cooking or bathing
But if you're already doing this and you're still getting damp and mould, it could be a sign that there are bigger problems.
Your landlord should investigate to find out more.
Your landlord is responsible for things like:
leaking pipes
damaged brickwork or roof tiles
rising damp
They should also make sure your home is fit to live in.
If you're doing all you can to stop damp and mould but they keep coming back, you might need better insulation or ventilation. Your landlord is responsible for this.
Things could be sorted out faster if both you and your landlord do everything you can.
Our adviser Hannah explains who is responsible for damp and mould. [Video length: 1:08]
What tenants are responsible for
You need to:
let fresh air in 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'.
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.
Am I responsible for condensation?
Some condensation is caused by things you do every day, like cooking. Your landlord should not say you have to stop doing everyday things because of condensation.
But looking after your home includes taking simple steps to reduce condensation.
Sometimes you cannot deal with condensation yourself.
Tell your landlord if there is condensation because:
your home is cold even though you use central heating
repairs need doing, for example, a leak is making your home wet
you cannot let fresh air in, for example, because the windows do not open
Tell your landlord if it costs too much to heat your home properly. They might help you deal with high energy bills.
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.
How to tell your landlord about a problem in your home
It's your responsibility to tell your landlord about any problems in your home. For example, a leaking pipe, or a broken extractor fan.
Use our letter templates to tell your council or housing association about:
Need more advice?
Last updated: 14 November 2025
