Private Sector Housing - Damp, condensation and mould

How to report damp and mould issues to your landlord

All types of damp can cause harm to health as well as your home. If you have problems with damp, mould, condensation or leaking water in your home, report it to your landlord or property agent immediately.  

Make a record of the problem

To report the damp or water leak, it is good to have a proper record of the problem. To make a record find out the answer to these questions:

  • When did it start happening?
  • What does it look like? for example, brown stain, black mould, condensation on window, or paper peeling
  • Are there certain times when it’s worse?
  • Where is it happening?
  • What do you think is causing it? 
  • What damage is it causing to your home?
  • Is there an immediate health risk to you or your family?
  • What steps you have already taken already to stop it? 

It’s always better to be able to show the problem, so make a record, take photos or make a video. Ask a friend to help if you do not know how. 

Know to contact your landlord or property agent

Your landlord should have provided you with some contact details to use for emergency situations, when you do receive them, store these details away safely. If you do not have any details, ask for:

  • Name (including of landlord, tenancy officer or property agent)
  • Phone number (including emergency number)
  • Email address
  • Postal address

Many social landlords or property agents have their contact details online or a contact form on their website which you can use.

Your landlord is a social landlord

If your landlord is a housing association, report damp and condensation mould issues immediately.  They take these issues seriously, some housing associations have specific ‘Damp and Mould’ teams to help.

If you do not have the contact details for your tenancy officer or for the repairs team you can find them by looking on the housing association website.  

Get help from your doctor

Babies, toddlers, older people and people with underlying health conditions are vulnerable, so they may need help urgently if they live in homes with damp, condensation and mould.
 
If you or a member of your family is affected, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor can advise you of any health problems that may be caused by mould and support you in getting the problems fixed by the landlord or property agent.