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Damp and mould in rental properties

Tenants in any type of rented accommodation have a right to a safe home.

If you're a tenant and you're experiencing damp, condensation or mould, the cause is often linked to inadequate heating, ventilation, or insulation. In most cases, Private or Social Landlords/Council Housing Services are responsible for making necessary improvements.

If you have a problem, here is what you should do next:

  • Report the issue in writing to your landlord as soon as possible.

You should report - if there is visible mould, a musty mould smell, water damage, or persistent condensation that doesn’t improve with ventilation. You don’t need to wait until the issue worsens, reporting these issues to your landlord early helps prevent further damage and health risks.

For further support identifying Damp and Mould, please see the Private Housing Standards (private tenants) and Sheffield Council Housing (council tenants) Damp & Mould Leaflets:

Private Housing Standards: Damp and mould.

Sheffield City Council: Damp and condensation.

For owner-occupiers, resolving damp and mould issues is the homeowner’s responsibility. Improving ventilation, heating, and insulation can help prevent problems. Support may be available through local home improvement schemes.

On this page is advice about damp and mould and how to report issues in your rented property.

Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death.

The presence of damp and mould can also affect tenants’ mental health. This could be due to worries about the health impacts of damp and mould, unpleasant living conditions, and destruction of property and belongings, among other concerns.

Everyone is vulnerable to the health impacts of damp and mould, but people with certain health conditions (including lung, heart, skin, allergies and immune system conditions) children, pregnant women and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts. 

Useful links:

GOV.UK: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home.

Landlords must ensure rented homes are safe, healthy, and free from hazards like damp and mould. They are legally required to carry out repairs once notified and must maintain shared areas even without a tenant's request.

Useful links:

Shelter England: Responsibility for repairs.

  • All tenants should report damp and mould directly to their landlord in the first instance and keep records of requests and responses.
  • Tenants with health conditions (e.g. lung or heart issues, allergies, weakened immunity, mental health concerns, pregnancy) may wish to disclose this when reporting repairs. 
  • Tenants should keep copies of any letters, emails or messages sent about repairs as evidence.

If  your landlord does not acknowledge, inspect, or propose actions within 14 days, tenants can escalate the issue:

Note: The Private Housing Standards team will request copies of letters/emails/messages sent to the landlord.

For general housing issues, including difficulties paying household bills, improving home warmth, or seeking advice on housing rights, the following resources may be helpful:

These organisations provide guidance on a range of housing concerns, including financial support, tenants' rights, and home improvement options.

For owner occupiers more information, guidance and help can be found using the link below:

Comprehensive Homeowner guide: Condensation Causes & Solutions.

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