Damp and mould prevention

UK The advice on this site is written for the United Kingdom, mainly England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in, starting with GOV.UK.

US Tenant and landlord law varies by state, and sometimes by city. For federal housing information see HUD’s tenant rights page, then check your state attorney general or housing department for the local rules.

Australia Tenancy law varies by state and territory. Start with the official body where you live: NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government renting guidance), Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer and Business Services South Australia, or Consumer Protection Western Australia. Other territories have their own tenancy authorities.

Canada Tenancy law varies by province and territory. Start with the official guidance where you live: Renting in Ontario: your rights, British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Branch, Québec’s Tribunal administratif du logement, or Alberta’s information for landlords and tenants. For a national overview see CMHC’s landlord and tenant responsibilities. Other provinces and territories have their own tenancy authorities.

New Zealand Tenancy rules are set nationally. Start with official Tenancy Services guidance for tenants and landlords.

Ireland Start with the official Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Citizens Information also explains renting in Ireland in plain English.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

Damp and mould is a health issue, not just a cosmetic one. This page is a practical overview for private landlords in England, with official links. It is about finding the cause, keeping records, and not leaving tenants to wipe a building fault away.

Your call

Go or no?

If it is a small, safe job that is yours to do, give it a go. We’ll point you to a beginner guide and a short shopping list. If you’d rather not, or the work needs a trade, say no and we’ll help you find someone local. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first.

Right then. Here’s a sensible starter kit, and links to the relevant guides.

No problem. We’ll show you how to find a local tradesperson.

This is about England

Most of what follows is written for private renting in England. It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a ruling on your tenancy. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in. The country notes at the top of this page point to official starting points elsewhere too.

Look at the building, not only the tenant’s habits

Official guidance for housing providers is clear that damp and mould can harm health, and that landlords should investigate the cause. Everyday moisture from cooking and bathing matters, but so do leaks, gutters, failed windows, cold bridging, broken extractors and inadequate heating. “It’s just condensation” is not a complete answer if the mould keeps coming back.

When you are told about it

Ask for photos and a description, visit promptly if it may be serious, and record what you see. Look at the outside as well as the room — gutters, downpipes, pointing, and the ground level against the wall. Fix leaks first. Cleaning a stain without fixing the cause is a delay, not a remedy.

If someone in the household is more at risk, treat the report as more urgent. The official damp and mould guidance, and the HHSRS guide, are the right reference points.

Awaab’s Law is not automatically your private-rented rulebook yet

Awaab’s Law already sets timescales in social housing. Extending it to private rented homes in England was still under consultation in October 2026. You should still deal with serious hazards under the rules that already apply, and watch GOV.UK for the regulations that will apply to you.

Between tenancies

Check extractors, trickle vents, gutters and cold rooms before a new tenant moves in. Note any historic staining on the inventory, and do not cover an active problem with a thick, impermeable paint and hope. Our repair records article explains what to keep.

Official guidance

These official and specialist pages are the best place to confirm the rules for your situation. We have used them as the starting point for this article.

GOV.UK: Damp and mould — health risks for rented housing providers — the official consolidated guidance
GOV.UK: HHSRS guide for landlords and agents — how hazards, including damp, are assessed
GOV.UK: Private renting — repairs — your repair duties
GOV.UK: Extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies — the official consultation on future timescales

FAQ

Can I tell the tenant just to open the windows more?

Ventilation is part of the picture, but it is not a complete response to a leak, a failed gutter or a cold, mould-prone wall. Investigate, record, and fix the cause.

Is bleach a reasonable first response?

Cleaning may be a short-term step. It is not a repair if the fabric of the building is wet. Find out why the surface is damp.

The property is a flat and the leak is from above.

You still need to act: contact the neighbour, the freeholder or the managing agent, record what you did, and keep the tenant informed. Do not leave them in a wet room while nobody accepts responsibility.

DIY guide and shopping list

For small, safe jobs that are yours to do, these beginner guides will walk you through it. Do not use them for gas work, the electrical installation, or a leak that is the landlord’s to fix.

Useful starting points: Unblock a sink, Fill cracks in walls, Reseal a bath, and Hang a curtain pole.

Prices below are typical UK ranges, shown so the page can convert them for your country. Always check the live product page before you buy.

Item	Why you need it	Typical UK price
Plunger or sink unblocking tool	Clears a simple blockage you have caused.	Typically £5–£12
Ready-mixed filler and a filling knife	Fills picture-hook holes and small dents.	Typically £5–£10
Sandpaper or a sanding block	Smooths dried filler so a touch-up will sit flat.	Typically £4–£8
Kitchen-and-bathroom silicone	For a failing bead you are allowed to renew, if the agreement says you can.	Typically £6–£12

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Would rather not DIY? Find a local tradesperson

If the job is yours but you would rather not do it, a local handyman or plumber can often deal with a small fix. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first — they may already have someone they use.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.