LIBERAY LEGAL > HOUSING DISREPAIR > DAMP AND MOULD DISREPAIR
Damp and mould
CLAIMING FOR DAMP AND MOULD DISREPAIR IN YOUR PROPERTY
Damp and mould problems in your property can be very distressing, causing damage to your property and a negative impact on your health.
It’s important to understand your responsibilities as a tenant when you notice damp and mould in your home, and how to ensure your landlord should address the issue.
If your landlord does not deal with the damp and mould problems promptly and effectively, you could be entitled to compensation.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DAMP AND MOULD?
Damp can be caused by several issues, including:
- Poor ventilation
- Water leaks
- Moisture rising damp from the ground
- Moisture penetrating through the walls
- Insufficient insulation
- High humidity
- Defective Guttering
HOW TO SPOT SIGNS OF DAMP AND MOULD?
To spot signs of damp in your property, look for tell-tale indicators such as:
- A musty smell
- Discoloured or peeling paint/wallpaper
- Watermarks or stains on walls and ceilings.
- Mould or mildew growth
- Crumbling plaster
- Rotting wood or rusting metal.
- Visible damp patches
- Condensation on windows
- A cold, clammy feeling in certain rooms
Regularly inspecting your home for these signs can help you address damp problems early.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SPOT DAMP IN YOUR HOME?
Early reporting to your Landlord helps prevent the problem from worsening and shows that you’ve acted responsibly.
Any delay could lead to more severe damage that’s harder to fix.
It’s important to provide your Landlord with access to your property so that they can assess the situation properly.
Ensuring they can properly inspect the issue is the first step to getting it treated and resolved promptly.
DAMP AND MOULD HEALTH RISKS
Damp and mould in homes can lead to respiratory issues, especially for individuals with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems.
Mould that grows due to dampness can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, skin irritation, and in severe cases, respiratory infections.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED?
Once reported to the landlord, repairs should be addressed within a reasonable period of time, depending on the severity of the damp and mould.
FIXING DAMP AND MOULD PROBLEMS
The type and cause of the damp and mould will determine how it should be fixed. Your landlord should identify the most effective solution for permanently resolving the issue.
SOLUTIONS FROM YOUR LANDLORD MAY INCLUDE:
- Installing better ventilation
- Repairing leaks
- Improving insulation
- Treating the walls with anti-mould paint
- Applying/repairing insulation
- Fixing leaking gutters
- Repair any defective pointing on external walls
View success stories”I'm so glad I went ahead with Liberay. I struggled for years to get my landlord to take my issues seriously from mould and damp issues to other things around my property. Very helpful and friendly and showed so much compassion and understanding. Thank you.
Mariah
DAMP AND MOULD FAQS
IS MY LANDLORD RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMP AND MOULD IN MY HOME?
In most cases, yes. If you’re renting from a local council or housing association, your landlord has a legal duty to maintain your property in a safe and habitable condition. This includes dealing with damp and mould that stems from structural issues, leaks, or inadequate ventilation – these are problems that are the landlord’s responsibility to fix, not yours.
WHAT EVIDENCE DO I NEED BEFORE MAKING A CLAIM?
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case. Take dated photographs of the affected areas, keep copies of any written reports you’ve made to your landlord, and hold on to any responses they’ve sent. If the damp or mould has damaged your belongings or affected your health, make a note of this too. Our team can advise you on exactly what you’ll need when you get in touch.
CAN I CLAIM COMPENSATION IF THE DAMP AND MOULD HAS MADE ME ILL?
Yes. If damp and mould in your home has caused or worsened a health condition, such as asthma, respiratory problems, or skin irritation, this can be taken into account when assessing your compensation. It’s a good idea to keep a record of any symptoms and speak to your GP so there’s a medical record of the impact it’s had on you.
MY LANDLORD SAYS THE DAMP IS CAUSED BY CONDENSATION - IS THAT MY PROBLEM TO DEAL WITH?
Landlords sometimes attribute damp to condensation and suggest it’s down to how the tenant is living in the property. This isn’t always accurate. If the root cause is poor ventilation, inadequate insulation, or a structural defect, responsibility still lies with the landlord. If you’ve been told this and you’re not sure where you stand, we can help you look into it further.
WHAT IF MY LANDLORD CARRIED OUT REPAIRS BUT THE DAMP AND MOULD CAME BACK?
A temporary fix that doesn’t resolve the underlying problem doesn’t fulfil your landlord’s legal obligations. If the issue has returned after repairs were made, your landlord needs to address it properly. You may still have grounds for a claim, particularly if the recurring problem has continued to affect your health or quality of life. Get in touch with us and we can talk through your options.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR TENANT RIGHTS
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, habitable home.
If the landlord fails to address these issues after being given reasonable notice, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the inconvenience caused.
