Living in a damp home isn’t just uncomfortable. It can affect your health, damage your belongings, and make day-to-day life feel harder than it should be.
We hear from people all the time who feel stuck in cold, damp council housing with no idea what’s causing the problem or how to fix it.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you absolutely deserve better.
Let’s break down some of the most common reasons your home might always feel damp, especially if you live in a council or housing association property.
1. Condensation – When Warm Air Meets Cold Walls
Condensation is one of the most common causes of damp in council properties.
It happens when warm, moist air (from things like cooking, showering, or even just breathing) hits cold surfaces like windows or walls. That moisture then turns into water droplets, which can lead to black mould, peeling wallpaper, and that musty smell no one wants in their home.
Signs to look out for
- Water on the windows in the morning
- Black mould on walls or ceilings
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- A damp, stuffy smell
What can help?
Simple fixes like opening windows or using extractor fans can reduce condensation.
But here’s the thing: if your home doesn’t have proper ventilation or insulation, no amount of window-opening is going to solve the problem long-term.
That’s not your fault. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to make sure your home is fit to live in.
2. Leaks – The Hidden (and Not-So-Hidden) Drips
Sometimes damp comes from leaking pipes, faulty guttering, or damaged roofs. These kinds of leaks can be easy to miss at first, but over time, they can soak into walls, ceilings, or floors, causing serious damage and even structural issues.
Things to check:
- Damp patches that get worse when it rains
- Stains on ceilings or near skirting boards
- Bubbling paint or plaster
- A leak you’ve reported that still hasn’t been fixed
If you’ve reported a leak and it’s still not sorted, that’s a problem. Your landlord (whether it’s the council or a housing association) has a legal duty to carry out repairs in a reasonable time.
If they haven’t, it could mean they’re in breach of their obligations, and you could have a valid housing disrepair claim.
Case Study: Tenant Wins No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair Claim Against Negligent Landlord
After years of being ignored by her landlord, Sarah finally achieved justice with the help of Liberay Legal. Her home had been plagued by persistent mould and damp, along with several other unresolved repair issues, all of which affected her quality of life and wellbeing. Despite repeatedly reporting the problems, nothing was done.
When she turned to Liberay Legal, things changed. “I’m so glad I went ahead with Liberay,” Sarah shared. “They took care of everything from start to finish, kept me updated throughout, and pushed to get the best outcome. Carla was so compassionate and didn’t stop until we achieved the result I needed.”
Carla, the litigation executive who represented Sarah, said the case was particularly meaningful: “The outcome meant Sarah could finally live in a safe and habitable home. Her concerns were validated, her landlord was held accountable, and the compensation acknowledged the stress and inconvenience she had endured.
This case highlights how important it is to enforce tenants’ rights – when landlords neglect their duties, legal action is often the only route to justice. At Liberay Legal, we documented every detail, gathered strong evidence, and made sure Sarah felt supported every step of the way. We’re proud to stand up for tenants like her and fight to ensure no one is left to suffer in silence.”
What can you do if you’re living with damp?
If you’ve raised these issues with your landlord and nothing’s changed, you might feel frustrated or ignored. But that’s exactly why we’re here.
At Liberay Legal, our housing disrepair team can help people just like you get the justice they deserve. We know how draining it can be to deal with mould, damp, and disrepair, especially when it feels like no one’s listening.
We’re listening. And we’ll help you take the next steps.
Our job is to explain your options, fight your corner, and stand beside you every step of the way. If your council or housing association hasn’t taken action, we’ll help you hold them accountable.
You don’t need to be a legal expert - that’s our job!
Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy home. Damp, mould, and disrepair aren’t just “part and parcel” of council housing. They’re signs that something’s gone wrong, and if your landlord hasn’t fixed it, it’s not just frustrating, but it might also be unlawful.
We’re here to make things clearer, simpler, and less overwhelming. So if your home is always damp and you’re not getting the help you need, get in touch. Let’s talk about how we can support you.
