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Damp & Mould Claims

Damp and Mould in Your Rental?
Your Landlord Is Responsible.

Under UK law, landlords must address damp and mould in rented properties. If yours hasn't — you may be entitled to compensation and repairs.

Check My Claim — FreeBuild Claim Report

What counts as a damp and mould claim?

Not every instance of condensation is actionable — but persistent damp or mould that your landlord has been notified about and failed to address creates a strong basis for a claim.

Black mould on walls, ceilings, or around windows
Rising damp from floors or skirting boards
Penetrating damp from a leaking roof, gutter, or defective wall
Condensation damp caused by structural issues (not behaviour)
Mould affecting health — respiratory issues, allergies
Mould damage to clothing, furniture, or belongings

The key legal test

To succeed in a damp and mould claim, you generally need to show:

1
The disrepair existed during your tenancy
2
You notified your landlord (in writing is best)
3
Your landlord failed to repair within a reasonable time
4
You suffered a loss — health, damage to belongings, or loss of enjoyment
Check if you qualify — Free

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

UK tenants have strong legal protections when it comes to damp and mould. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords cannot simply blame tenants for condensation without investigating the underlying cause. If damp or mould is caused by structural defects, inadequate ventilation, or the fabric of the building, it is the landlord's responsibility — not yours.

Landlords are also prohibited from retaliating against tenants who report disrepair. If you receive a Section 21 notice shortly after raising a repair complaint, this may constitute a "retaliatory eviction" — which is unlawful under the Deregulation Act 2015.

Shelter England — Damp and mould in rented homes: your rights
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