What landlords are responsible for
In England, landlords must keep the structure, exterior, water, heating and sanitation in repair, and must make sure the home is fit to live in. Damp and mould is one of the hazards councils assess under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. That means landlords are responsible for things like leaks, penetrating damp, rising damp, broken or missing extractor fans, faulty heating, failed windows and serious cold spots.
What tenants are expected to do
- Use extractor fans and open trickle vents
- Heat the home reasonably
- Avoid drying lots of laundry indoors without ventilation
- Wipe condensation off windows
- Report problems promptly
But a tenant cannot ventilate their way out of a broken fan or a leaking gutter.
Grey areas
Condensation is where most arguments happen. Lifestyle plays a part, but so do weak ventilation, cold walls and poor heating, all of which are building issues. A proper inspection with readings is the fairest way to settle it.
How tenants should report mould
- Report it in writing (email or the agent portal), with dated photos
- Describe where it is, how big and how long it has been there
- Keep a copy and follow up if nothing happens
- If the landlord does not act, contact your council's private housing or environmental health team
How landlords protect themselves
Act fast, inspect, fix the cause and keep a written record. Our reports give you photos, readings and the cause we found, which is useful evidence that you dealt with it properly. See landlords.
Questions people ask
Can my landlord evict me for reporting mould?
Last reviewed 15 November 2026 by the Home Damp and Mould team. Read our editorial policy.