You’ve found mould growing in your rental – so now what? More often than not, the first thing people try to understand is “is mould the landlord’s responsibility?”
And honestly, it’s a fair question. Whether it’s black patches on the ceiling or that damp, earthy smell creeping in, mould can turn a home into something that feels a bit unliveable.
Plenty of renters are unsure where they stand. Some are told to just open a window. Others are stuck waiting weeks for landlords to reply. But mould in a rented property in the UK isn’t just a minor nuisance – it can be a serious health risk, and it’s one the law takes seriously.
This article breaks things down clearly: who’s expected to do what, what the law actually says, and what steps to take if the mould just won’t go away. Landlords, tenants – both have roles to play, and it pays to know yours.
What Causes Mould in Homes?
Mould usually shows up when damp air has nowhere to go. That might be because of poor airflow, trapped condensation, or even a bit of both. It’s especially common in homes that don’t have proper ventilation – and in rented properties, that’s often the case. Kitchens without extractor fans, bathrooms with no windows, and cold corners behind wardrobes are all usual suspects.
A lot of the time, the problem starts small. A little condensation on the windows, clothes drying on radiators, or heating that’s rarely turned on. But over time, the moisture builds, and so does the mould. Once it takes hold, it can spread fast – and in a rental, that’s where it gets tricky.
Is the mould there because of how the home’s being lived in? Or is it down to something more structural? Knowing the difference helps decide who’s responsible – and what needs to be done next. If you’re unsure, take a look at how we help people deal with mould problems in their homes.
Is Mould a Landlord’s Legal Obligation?
UK Laws on Tenancy and Mould
Under UK housing law, damp and mould are more than just a nuisance – they’re a serious health concern. That’s why the legal responsibility often rests with the landlord. If mould appears in a rented home because of a structural issue – like a leak, rising damp, or poor insulation – it’s the landlord’s job to sort it.
Government guidance clearly states that housing providers must act when mould affects a tenant’s health or the safety of the property. So, if you’re a tenant wondering “is mould the landlord’s responsibility?” – the answer is usually yes, if the problem is caused by the building itself.
Landlord responsibility for mould doesn’t always mean they’re to blame, but it does mean they’re legally expected to fix it. If it’s affecting how liveable the home is, it can’t be ignored.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
This bit of law sets out landlord obligations around property repairs – and mould caused by structural issues is part of that. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the building in working order. That covers things like walls, roof, windows, and pipework.
If mould is growing because of a fault in any of those, the landlord has a duty to act. But if it’s down to how the home’s being used day-to-day – like never opening windows – it might not be their responsibility.
So, the cause matters. And under this law, landlord obligations for mould hinge on what’s actually behind the problem.
Tenant Responsibilities in Preventing Mould
While landlords have legal duties, tenants also have a role in keeping mould at bay. In fact, most rental agreements include clauses about keeping the home “in a tenant-like manner” – and that usually covers everyday habits that help prevent damp.
This is where tenant mould responsibility comes into play. Tenants are expected to use extractor fans, open windows when possible, and heat rooms reasonably during colder months. Letting air circulate, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can make a big difference. Blocking air vents, overloading wardrobes, or drying clothes indoors with no ventilation can all encourage moisture to build up.
That said, if you’re doing all the right things and mould still appears – it’s likely not something you can control. The key is to act early and tell your landlord before it spreads.
Mould in a rented property isn’t always easy to trace back to a single cause. That’s why clear communication and early action matter. It’s not about pointing fingers – it’s about solving the problem before it damages your health or your home.
Reporting Mould
If you’ve spotted mould in your rental, don’t wait – act early. The longer it’s left, the worse it tends to get. And the clearer your report is, the more likely your landlord is to deal with it properly.
Start by documenting everything. Take photos of the affected areas, note when you first saw it, and list any health symptoms or property damage. Then send a written report to your landlord or letting agent. Be polite but clear. Explain where the mould is, how long it’s been there, and ask what steps they’ll take next.
Wondering how to report mould to a landlord and make it count? Send your report by email or letter so you’ve got proof. Most landlords will respond within a reasonable timeframe – but if nothing happens, you don’t have to just live with it.
If your landlord doesn’t act, you can escalate it to your local council’s environmental health team. In serious cases, they can force repairs through a formal notice.
And if you’re still unsure what to do, or the mould keeps coming back? You can always contact us for a professional survey. We deal with mould problems every day – and we’ll help you figure out what’s really going on.