Mould in a home should always be taken seriously. Government guidance says damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, and that while everyone is vulnerable, people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe effects. Here are sensible first steps for both sides of a tenancy in England.
If you are a tenant
- Report it to your landlord in writing — by email, letter or their online repairs system — so there is a dated record. Say where the mould is, how long it has been there and whether it is getting worse.
- Take photographs with dates, and keep copies of everything you send and receive.
- Mention anyone in the household who may be more vulnerable, such as young children, older people, or someone with a lung condition or weakened immune system. Social landlords must take the household’s circumstances into account under Awaab’s Law. You do not have to share medical details you are not comfortable sharing.
- If you rent from a social landlord (a council or housing association), Awaab’s Law sets timescales for investigating and making safe damp and mould that presents a significant risk of harm. You can ask for an in-person inspection if an investigation was done remotely.
- If the problem is not resolved, use your landlord’s complaints process. Social housing tenants can then go to the Housing Ombudsman. Private tenants, and housing association tenants, can also contact their local council, which can assess the home under the HHSRS. The government’s HHSRS tenant guide explains more.
If you are worried about your health or a family member’s, speak to your GP or NHS 111.
Cleaning small amounts of mould safely
Government guidance says mould can be removed from hard surfaces with an appropriate cleaning product and left to dry completely, and that mould and mildew products should be used in preference to bleach. It recommends that whoever removes the mould wears protective equipment such as a mask, gloves and goggles. Mouldy carpets, soft furnishings and ceiling tiles may need to be thrown away.
Importantly, the guidance is clear that cleaning by tenants should not be a substitute for the landlord assessing and fixing the underlying cause.
If you are a landlord
- Treat every report seriously and promptly. For social landlords, Awaab’s Law timescales start when you become aware of a potential hazard — see what Awaab’s Law requires.
- Don’t assume it is “lifestyle”. Cooking, washing and drying clothes are part of normal life. Official guidance says landlords should identify and tackle the underlying causes, including building defects, inadequate ventilation and condensation.
- Find the cause before choosing the fix. Condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp and leaks need different remedies — see how to tell them apart.
- Keep clear records of reports, inspections, findings, communications and works.
- Keep the tenant informed about what you found and what will happen next.
Official guidance
Damp and mould: understanding and addressing the health risks for rented housing providers (GOV.UK) · Awaab’s Law guidance for social landlords. Checked 10 November 2026. General information only, not legal or medical advice.
An independent view
Whether you are a landlord or a homeowner, an independent mould survey identifies what is feeding the mould and sets out prioritised, practical recommendations.