Damp and Mould in Rental Properties: Your Rights

The Serious Risk of Mould

Damp and mould are not just unsightly; they are classified as a Category 1 hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), the same category as asbestos. They can cause respiratory issues, asthma, and allergies.

Landlord Responsibilities

Your landlord is responsible for the exterior and structure of your home. This includes fixing the root causes of damp, such as:

• Leaking pipes or roofs
• Rising damp due to damaged damp-proof courses
• Penetrating damp from cracks in walls
• Poor ventilation leading to condensation (if structural)

Awaab's Law

Following tragic events, new legislation requires social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould within strict timeframes. If they fail, you have a strong case for compensation.