Damp and mould
Damp and mould are linked housing hazards where excess moisture in a property leads to black, green or white mould growth on walls, ceilings, windows, furnishings or belongings. They are treated as serious risks under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) rules, particularly for children, older people and those with breathing problems.
From a landlord’s perspective, damp and mould are rarely just “cosmetic”. Persistent problems may mean the home is unfit for human habitation, exposing you to claims for repairs and compensation, improvement notices, civil penalties or rent repayment orders. You are expected to identify and tackle root causes, including water leaks, defective gutters, poor insulation, inadequate heating or ventilation, not simply tell tenants to “open a window” or wipe surfaces.
Awaab’s Law and the Renters’ Rights Act reinforce this by moving towards strict time limits for investigating and fixing serious damp and mould, and clearer duties to keep homes safe and healthy. Landlords should:
Respond quickly and in writing to reports.
Inspect, diagnose causes and plan works.
Keep dated photos and records of actions taken.
Blaming “lifestyle” alone, without evidence and remedial work, is unlikely to satisfy regulators, ombudsmen or the courts.
