Black spots creeping across the bedroom ceiling. A musty smell that never quite goes away. Windows that stream with condensation every morning. If this sounds like your home, you’re not alone — and in many cases, fixing it is legally your landlord’s job, not yours.
What landlords must deal with
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act and the Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords — councils, housing associations and private landlords alike — must keep your home free of serious hazards and in reasonable repair. Damp caused by leaking roofs, broken guttering, faulty damp-proofing, cracked walls or failing heating almost always falls on the landlord. That’s true even if the tenancy agreement tries to say otherwise.
The “lifestyle” excuse
Many tenants are told the mould is their own fault — “dry your washing outside”, “open more windows”. Sometimes ventilation genuinely is a factor, but it’s often used to brush off a structural problem. A home that can only stay mould-free if you never cook, wash or dry clothes in it is not a home in reasonable repair.
What to do — starting today
Report every problem to your landlord in writing (email or text is fine) and keep copies. Photograph the damp with something for scale and note the date. Keep any GP or hospital letters if the conditions are affecting your family’s breathing or health. A clear paper trail is what turns “he said, she said” into a case that gets taken seriously.
If your landlord keeps ignoring you, don’t give up — that’s exactly the moment to get help. We’ll help you escalate to environmental health, the Housing Ombudsman, or trusted specialist partners where a disrepair claim may be appropriate — you may be entitled to repairs and compensation. Read more on our Housing Disrepair page, or call 020 3355 8873 for a free, confidential chat.
