Can I Claim for Damp and Mould? What Tenants Need to Know

Introduction
Damp and mould are some of the most common—and most harmful—forms of housing disrepair. These problems not only damage your property, but can also cause serious health issues. If your landlord has failed to act on your complaints about damp or mould, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim.
At Housing Disrepair Team, we specialise in helping tenants claim compensation for poor living conditions. In this article, we’ll explain your rights, what qualifies as a housing disrepair compensation claim, and how our expert team can help you get the justice and repairs you deserve.What Causes Damp and Mould?
Damp and mould develop when excess moisture builds up in your home. This is often caused by:
  • Leaking roofs, gutters, or pipes
  • Broken window seals
  • Poor ventilation in kitchens or bathrooms
  • Rising damp from damaged foundations
  • Failed damp-proofing measures
If left untreated, this moisture creates the perfect environment for black mould to grow. You might notice:
  • Musty smells
  • Black, brown, or green patches on walls or ceilings
  • Peeling wallpaper or flaking paint
  • Condensation on windows
  • Cold or damp surfaces
Why Is Mould So Dangerous?
Mould spores can seriously affect your health, especially for vulnerable individuals. Health risks include:
  • Asthma attacks or flare-ups
  • Allergies or respiratory issues
  • Skin irritation and rashes
  • Eye problems
  • Infections in people with weakened immune systems
Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk. If mould is affecting your health or damaging your belongings, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation.Your Landlord’s Legal Duty
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally responsible for keeping the structure of your home in good condition. That includes:
  • Preventing leaks and water ingress
  • Ensuring proper ventilation
  • Fixing broken windows and damp-proofing
  • Making timely repairs when notified
If your landlord fails to fix damp and mould after being informed in writing, you may have grounds to make a housing disrepair claim. It doesn’t matter if the property is privately rented, a housing association home, or council property.What Counts as Neglect?
You can pursue a compensation claim for housing disrepair if:
  • You have reported damp or mould and your landlord has ignored it
  • Temporary repairs were done but the issue returned
  • You have had to live in these conditions for months or years
  • Your health or property has suffered because of inaction
Landlords cannot blame you if the damp is caused by structural issues, faulty ventilation, or leaking pipes—they are responsible for fixing the root cause.Real Case Example
One of our clients, a single mother in Manchester, lived in a flat with severe mould and leaking ceilings. Despite repeated complaints to her housing association, the issue went unresolved for 18 months. Her son developed a chronic cough, and her clothes and bedding were ruined.
We helped her file a housing disrepair compensation claim and secured:
  • Full repairs and ventilation improvements
  • £5,800 in compensation
  • All legal fees covered under our no win, no fee service
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
Our housing disrepair experts will assess your situation and help you claim for:
  • Health problems caused by mould exposure
  • Damaged belongings like furniture, clothes, electronics, and bedding
  • Higher heating costs due to cold and damp rooms
  • Loss of enjoyment and stress from living in poor conditions
  • Medical expenses and missed work due to illness
The amount of your housing disrepair compensation claim will depend on how long the issue has been ongoing, how it’s affected your life, and how negligent your landlord has been.What Evidence Do I Need?
To build a strong case, gather:
  • Photos or videos of the mould and damp
  • Medical records showing illness caused by the disrepair
  • Receipts for damaged items
  • Emails or letters sent to your landlord
  • Inspection reports (we can help arrange these)
Even if the landlord has only recently responded, you can still make a housing disrepair claim if the problem went unaddressed for a long time.Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?
We are trusted housing disrepair solicitors who specialise in damp and mould claims. When you work with us, you benefit from:
:white_check_mark: Free case assessment
:white_check_mark: No win, no fee legal support
:white_check_mark: Fast action on your behalf
:white_check_mark: Professional inspections and evidence collection
:white_check_mark: The best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK
:white_check_mark: Maximum compensation for both physical and emotional harm
We’ve helped thousands of tenants reclaim their homes and their health—and we’re ready to help you next. How the Process Works
  1. Contact us for a free consultation
  2. We inspect your home for damp, mould, and other disrepair
  3. We handle your case—you won’t have to face your landlord directly
  4. You receive compensation and your home is repaired
It’s that simple. And with our no win, no fee policy, there’s zero risk to you.