Damp and mould are among the most common and contentious issues in rented accommodation. Beyond being unsightly and damaging to a property, they can pose serious risks to a tenant’s health if left unresolved. Understanding a landlord’s responsibilities when it comes to damp and mould is essential for maintaining safe, compliant, and habitable rental homes.
Have a look at the link below for further information from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) – What responsibilities landlords have regarding mould & damp in their rental properties.
Why Damp and Mould Matter
Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments and can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health conditions, particularly for children, older people, and those with existing health issues. From a property perspective, persistent damp can damage walls, ceilings, flooring, and furnishings, ultimately reducing the value and lifespan of the building.
Because of these risks, landlords are generally expected to take damp and mould seriously and address problems promptly.
Legal Duty to Provide a Habitable Home
In most jurisdictions, landlords have a legal duty to ensure their rental properties are safe, structurally sound, and fit for human habitation. This duty usually applies throughout the tenancy, not just at the start.
Damp and mould may render a property uninhabitable if they:
- Affect the tenant’s health or safety
- Result from structural defects or disrepair
- Prevent normal use of parts of the home
If mould is caused by issues that fall within a landlord’s responsibility, failure to act can lead to enforcement action, compensation claims, or restrictions on renting the property.
Common Causes Landlords Are Responsible For
Landlords are typically responsible for damp and mould that arise from building-related problems, including:
- Penetrating damp caused by damaged roofs, walls, gutters, or external brickwork
- Rising damp due to failed or missing damp-proof courses
- Leaks from plumbing, heating systems, or appliances supplied by the landlord
- Poor ventilation where the property lacks adequate extractor fans, vents, or airflow
- Structural defects that allow water ingress
In these cases, landlords are expected to investigate the cause and carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
Tenant Lifestyle vs Structural Issues
Disputes often arise when damp is linked to condensation. While everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors can increase moisture levels, landlords cannot automatically blame tenants.
If condensation is worsened by:
- Inadequate heating systems
- Insufficient insulation
- Poor ventilation
then the responsibility usually remains with the landlord. Tenants are expected to use the property in a reasonable way, but landlords must ensure the home is capable of being lived in without excessive damp forming under normal use.
Responding to Reports of Damp and Mould
When a tenant reports damp or mould, landlords should:
- Acknowledge the issue promptly
- Inspect the property to identify the underlying cause
- Carry out necessary repairs rather than cosmetic fixes
- Treat affected areas properly after the root cause is resolved
- Keep records of reports, inspections, and works completed
Simply painting over mould without addressing the source of moisture is rarely acceptable and often leads to the problem recurring.
Health and Safety Considerations
Because mould can impact health, landlords may also have responsibilities under health and safety or housing standards legislation. Local authorities often have powers to inspect properties and require landlords to carry out remedial works if damp and mould present a hazard.
In serious cases, failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, or restrictions on letting the property.
Preventing Damp and Mould
Proactive landlords can reduce problems by:
- Ensuring properties are well insulated and ventilated
- Installing and maintaining extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Regularly inspecting roofs, gutters, and pipework
- Responding quickly to leaks or water damage
- Providing tenants with guidance on ventilation and heating
Prevention not only protects tenants’ health but also reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Damp and mould are not just cosmetic issues they are indicators of underlying problems that landlords have a duty to address. While tenants play a role in looking after a property, landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring their rental homes are safe, dry, and fit to live in.
Taking reports seriously, investigating thoroughly, and carrying out proper repairs is not only good practice it’s a fundamental part of being a responsible landlord.
