Damp and Mould Housing Disrepair Claims in the UK

Damp and Mould Claims in UK
12
Jan

Damp and mould are among the most common and serious reasons tenants pursue housing disrepair claims in the UK. 

These issues are not just unpleasant to live with – they can pose serious health risks and indicate deeper problems with the structure or ventilation of a property. 

When landlords fail to address damp and mould after being notified, tenants may be entitled to compensation and enforced repairs.

What Causes Damp and Mould in Rented Properties?

Damp and mould can develop for several reasons, but in many cases, they are caused by issues that fall under the landlord’s responsibility. Common causes include:

  • Poor or broken ventilation systems
  • Leaking roofs, pipes, or gutters
  • Rising damp due to structural defects
  • Faulty windows or external walls
  • Inadequate insulation or heating

When damp or mould results from these defects, it is usually classed as housing disrepair, not tenant lifestyle.

Is Damp and Mould the Landlord’s Responsibility?

Yes, in most cases, landlords are legally responsible for damp and mould when it is caused by structural issues or poor property maintenance.

Under UK housing law, landlords must ensure properties are fit for human habitation. Persistent damp or mould can make a property unfit to live in, especially if it affects bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens.

Landlords cannot simply blame tenants for condensation without properly investigating the root cause of the problem.

Health Risks Associated with Damp and Mould

Damp and mould can have serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable tenants. Health issues linked to mould exposure include:

Children, elderly tenants, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially at risk. 

If damp or mould has affected your health, this may significantly increase the value of your housing disrepair claim.

When Can Tenants Make a Damp and Mould Claim?

You may be able to make a damp and mould housing disrepair claim if:

  • The problem has been reported to the landlord
  • The landlord failed to fix the issue within a reasonable timeframe
  • The mould keeps returning after temporary repairs
  • The disrepair has affected your health or daily living

Tenants do not need to wait until the situation becomes severe to take action.

Evidence Needed for Damp and Mould Housing Disrepair Claims

To support a damp and mould claim, tenants should gather clear evidence, including:

  • Photographs or videos showing mould growth
  • Records of complaints made to the landlord
  • Inspection or surveyor reports
  • Medical records linking health issues to mould exposure
  • Witness statements from other occupants

Keeping a diary of how long the issue has existed and how it has affected your life can also be helpful.

How Damp and Mould Compensation Is Calculated

Compensation for damp and mould housing disrepair claims depends on several factors, such as:

  • The severity and spread of the mould
  • How long the issue lasted
  • Areas of the home affected
  • Impact on health and comfort

Compensation is often awarded as a percentage of rent for the period the property was affected. Additional damages may be awarded if health problems occurred.

For more information, see our full guide on housing disrepair claims.

What If the Landlord Carries Out Poor-Quality Repairs?

In many cases, landlords carry out temporary or ineffective repairs that fail to resolve the root cause of damp and mould. Repainting over mould or providing a dehumidifier is usually not enough.

If mould returns after repairs, tenants may still have a valid housing disrepair claim.

Can Tenants Be Evicted for Reporting Damp and Mould?

Tenants are legally protected from eviction for raising genuine repair issues. Reporting damp and mould in writing strengthens this protection and creates a clear record of landlord inaction.

What Should Tenants Do Next?

If you are living with damp and mould:

  1. Report the issue to your landlord in writing
  2. Take photographs and keep records
  3. Seek medical advice if health is affected
  4. Obtain legal advice if repairs are ignored

Prompt action can prevent further damage and protect your rights.

If you are suffering from damp or mould in your rented property and your landlord is not taking action, Tenant Housing Disrepair is here to help. Our team can assess your situation, advise you on your rights, and support you in making a housing disrepair claim.

Contact Tenant Housing Disrepair today for a free initial assessment and start your claim now.

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Damp and mould can cause serious health and structural problems in a property. If your landlord is responsible for fixing the issue and they have failed to do so, you may be entitled to compensation.

Document the issue, make a claim to your landlord or the courts, and get our experts advice. Your landlord is responsible for providing a safe and habitable living environment, and compensation may be due if they have failed in this obligation.

If you are a tenant and experiencing leaks in the ceiling, roof or tiles, it is likely that your landlord is responsible for fixing the issue. A leaking roof or ceiling can cause significant damage to a property, including water damage, mould growth, and even structural damage. If your landlord has failed to address the issue and you have suffered loss or damage as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.

To claim compensation, you should document the issue, including any damage or loss you have suffered, and take photos or videos to demonstrate the extent of the problem. You can then make a claim to your landlord or the courts.

Living in a property with structural defects can be a serious safety risk. If you are a tenant in social housing and your landlord has neglected to repair such defects, resulting in an unsafe or unhealthy living environment, we are here to assist you.

Our team of housing disrepair specialists can help you claim for the necessary repairs and compensation if your landlord has failed to address the structural defects even after being notified of the issue.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis for all social housing disrepair claims, ensuring that you have access to legal assistance without incurring any upfront costs.

If you are experiencing disrepair issues in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to us to see if we can help.

Under the law, your landlord is responsible for ensuring that your rental property is properly maintained. This includes addressing any pest or vermin infestations that may arise, as these can pose serious health and safety risks.

In some cases, the landlord may be held liable for the infestation if it was caused by a pre-existing disrepair issue, such as a hole in the building that the landlord failed to repair. However, if the vermin were present when you moved into the property, the responsibility may fall on you as the tenant.

It's crucial to report any pest or vermin issues to your landlord as soon as possible and to keep detailed records of all communication regarding the matter. This includes any letters, texts, or emails exchanged between you and your landlord, as well as notes from any phone or in-person conversations. Gathering photographic evidence of the infestation can also strengthen your case.

Remember that as a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable living space, and your landlord is obligated to take action to address any issues that may arise.

As a tenant, you have the right to expect that your landlord will keep the heating and hot water system in good condition. This includes ensuring that the boiler is checked regularly and a gas safety certificate is produced at least once a year.

If you report a fault with the heating or hot water and you are left without either, your landlord is expected to rectify the problem within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few days. Failure to do so could result in you being entitled to compensation for any inconvenience caused by your landlord's failure to comply with their legal obligations.

In addition to claiming compensation for any inconvenience, you may also be able to claim for any additional costs incurred as a result of the disrepair. For example, if you have to spend extra money on heating due to the faulty system, you may be able to claim this back from your landlord.

It is important to remember that as a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities, and your landlord has a legal obligation to ensure that the property is kept in a safe and habitable condition. If you have any concerns about the condition of your heating or hot water system, you should contact your landlord immediately.

Poorly maintained home can cause physical or mental health issue to you and your family. The Disrepair can cause a direct injury, a direct health issue or exacerbate an ongoing condition. A gas leak, water leak, mould, damp, a broken step or a vermin/ mice infestation are all examples of disrepair that can cause health issues to you and your family . If you or members of your family have suffered from any health issues as a direct result of the poor conditions in your home, we want to help you.

You deserve to be happy and healthy in the place that you live, your health is paramount and at times you may not be sure if your health is affected, Our experts can help.