UK's leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk
UK's leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk is an in-depth conversation that covers the critical issue of mould in rental properties and its implications for tenants and landlords. UK’s leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk This discussion highlights recent legal changes, practical advice, and actionable steps for addressing mould issues effectively.
In 2026, as housing laws continue to evolve with the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025), mould remains a significant concern that affects millions of tenants across the UK. This article aims to clarify the legal framework around mould and provide practical guidance on how both tenants and landlords can manage this issue.
What the law says
The legal situation surrounding mould in rental properties is primarily governed by several key statutes, including the Housing Act 1988 (s.8, s.13, s.21), the Housing Act 2004 (s.213-215), and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (s.11). The Deregulation Act 2015 (s.33) also plays a important role by addressing notice requirements for landlords seeking to end tenancies, including those related to property condition issues like mould.
The Housing Act 1988 section 11 requires landlords to keep their properties in good repair and condition throughout the tenancy. Section 8 allows tenants to seek repairs from their landlord if they're living in an uninhabitable home due to disrepair or defective conditions, such as dampness and mould. Additionally, the Housing Act 2004 sections 213-215 mandate that local authorities have a duty to enforce building regulations related to safety and hygiene standards, which can include issues like excessive moisture leading to mould growth.
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords from charging tenants for repairs or remediation work unless these are the result of tenant damage or neglect. This means that any necessary treatments for mould caused by landlord negligence must be covered by the landlord and can't be passed on to the tenant as a fee.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The RRA 2025 significantly altered the legal situation regarding rental properties, including provisions directly relevant to mould issues. At UK’s leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk, firstly, Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 has been abolished from the statutory conversion date, meaning landlords can no longer serve a Section 21 notice without first providing two months' written notice for periodic tenancies and six months' written notice for assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) after the initial fixed term.
Under the RRA 2025, annual rent caps via Section 13 ensure that landlords can't unreasonably increase rent beyond a set limit each year, thereby preventing financial pressures from affecting property maintenance and mould issues.
The Decent Homes Standard has been extended to the Private Rented Sector (PRS), ensuring all rented properties meet certain minimum standards for space, heating, energy efficiency, and structural condition. This includes requirements that address moisture control and prevention of dampness leading to mould growth.
Awaab's Law, which originated as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, has been extended to private landlords under RRA 2025, holding them accountable for providing properties fit for human habitation. This law specifically mandates that dwellings must be free from hazards like mould, asbestos, and lead paint.
The introduction of a new PRS Ombudsman provides tenants with an independent avenue to resolve disputes regarding property condition, including mould problems. Additionally, the establishment of the PRS Database registration ensures better tracking and enforcement of standards across rental properties in terms of habitability and health issues such as mould contamination.
What this means for tenants
Under the RRA 2025, tenants are entitled to live in a property that meets minimum decent home standards, including protection against harmful conditions like excessive moisture leading to mould. Tenants may be expected to report any instances of visible mould growth promptly and can request remediation from their landlord.
If a tenant recognises signs of damp or mould, they should document these issues immediately by taking photographs and noting the dates when problems first appeared. The next step is to write to the landlord formally requesting repairs under section 11 duties. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable period, tenants may seek help from their local council's environmental health department or contact the new PRS Ombudsman for mediation.
In cases where mould poses serious health risks, tenants may be entitled to move out of the property temporarily while remediation work is carried out without losing their tenancy rights under RRA 2025 provisions. At UK’s leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk, tenants should also check if they qualify for legal aid or advice from organisations like Shelter and Citizens Advice regarding compensation claims related to mould damage and health impacts.
What this means for landlords
Landlords are now expected to maintain properties in a manner that prevents the growth of harmful substances such as mould, aligning with the Decent Homes Standard. Landlords must respond promptly to tenant requests for repairs under section 11 duties and ensure properties remain fit for human habitation according to Awaab's Law.
Failure to address significant mould issues can lead to complaints from tenants, fines from local authorities enforcing building regulations (Housing Act 2004), or even legal action through the PRS Ombudsman. Therefore, landlords should proactively inspect and maintain properties regularly to avoid such problems. They're also expected to comply with any reasonable requests for repairs within a statutory timeframe.
Landlords can seek advice from housing associations or property management companies regarding best practices in preventing mould growth and meeting legal standards set forth by RRA 2025. Engaging with professional contractors specialised in damp-proofing and remediation services may be necessary to resolve severe cases effectively without breaching tenant rights under the new law.
Common scenarios
- Tenant Reports Mould: A tenant notices black mould growing behind a bathroom wall and informs their landlord via email on 20th March 2026, attaching photographs showing visible growth. The landlord responds two weeks later stating they will inspect but takes no further action. The tenant can escalate the issue to their local council's environmental health department for enforcement.
- Landlord Negligence: A tenant living in a property with rising damp experiences persistent mould problems despite multiple requests for repairs over six months. The landlord blames the tenant for poor ventilation habits and refuses repair costs under Tenant Fees Act 2019 exemptions. The tenant may lodge a complaint with the new PRS Ombudsman to resolve disputes regarding responsibility.
- At UK’s leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk, Health Risks: A tenant suffering from asthma finds their condition worsened due to mould in their bedroom despite regular cleaning efforts. They move out temporarily to seek medical attention and notify the landlord of health risks associated with property conditions, seeking compensation under legal aid provisions for any damages incurred.
Evidence tenants should keep
Tenants dealing with mould issues should document everything thoroughly:
- Photographs: Take clear photos showing visible signs of dampness or mould. Include labels indicating dates when these were taken.
- Correspondence: Keep all emails and letters exchanged between the tenant and landlord regarding repairs or complaints about property conditions.
- Dates: Record specific dates when issues first arose, repair requests were made, inspections occurred, and remediation actions were taken or not taken by the landlord.
- Health Records: Maintain medical records proving any health impacts due to mould exposure if applicable. Include diagnoses from doctors confirming respiratory or skin conditions linked to poor living environments.
Having this evidence can be important when escalating issues to local authorities, PRS Ombudsman, deposit schemes, or legal proceedings like first-tier tribunals and county courts.
What to do if things go wrong
If the landlord doesn't address mould problems adequately despite tenant requests, follow these steps in order:
- Send Complaint Letter: Write a formal letter detailing the issues with supporting evidence (photos, dates) and specifying required repairs.
- Contact Council Environmental Health: If the landlord fails to act within 30 days, report the problem to the local council's environmental health department for further investigation under Housing Act 2004 regulations.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute: Check if your deposit is protected by a scheme like TDS or My Deposits and use their dispute resolution service if necessary.
- Housing Ombudsman Complaints: Seek mediation from the new PRS Ombudsman for tenant-landlord disputes regarding property condition issues.
- First-Tier Tribunal: If unresolved, consider filing a claim at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to seek compensation or enforce remediation actions.
- County Court: In severe cases where health risks are involved and other methods fail, tenants may pursue legal action through the county court system for damages incurred due to landlord negligence.
Common mistakes to avoid
Both tenants and landlords should be wary of common pitfalls:
- Ignoring Early Signs: Failing to address minor issues like condensation can lead to more severe mould growth over time. At UK’s leading mould expert talks to Asktenants.co.uk, - Improper Documentation: Not keeping thorough records of complaints, repairs requested, and landlord responses weakens tenant's case if disputes arise.
- Neglecting Health Risks: Disregarding health impacts associated with prolonged exposure to harmful mould conditions can result in serious medical complications for tenants.
- Overlooking Professional Advice: Relying solely on DIY solutions without consulting professionals may exacerbate issues rather than resolve them effectively.
- Failing Compliance Checks: Landlords who neglect regular inspections and maintenance schedules risk legal penalties and tenant dissatisfaction.
Where to get help
For additional support, tenants can contact:
- Shelter: Offers free advice via their helpline (0808 800 4444) or website. - Citizens Advice: Provides local branches offering tailored assistance across the UK. - Local Council Housing Team: Contacts for specific areas to report ongoing issues and seek enforcement actions against non-compliant landlords.
Legal aid may be available for certain cases involving significant health risks or financial hardships caused by landlord negligence. Tenants should check eligibility criteria on official government websites or through local advice centres.