How to Report Damp and Mould to Your Landlord

How you report damp and mould matters. A quick phone call is easy to forget or deny later; a clear written report with evidence creates a record that both prompts action and protects you if the problem drags on. Here is a practical, step-by-step approach you can use wherever you rent in the UK.

Step 1: Document the problem

Before you contact anyone, gather evidence.

• Take photographs of every affected area, in good light, showing the extent of the damp or mould. Include wide shots and close-ups.
• Note the location of each patch (which room, which wall, near the window, behind furniture, and so on).
• Record when it started and whether it is getting worse, and whether it is linked to rain, cold weather or a particular activity.
• Keep a dated log — a simple note each time you see a change, try something, or contact the landlord.

Step 2: Report it in writing

Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing — email or a letter you keep a copy of. A phone call alone is not enough, because there is no record. In your message:

1. Describe the problem clearly and say where it is.
2. Say when it started and whether it is worsening.
3. Attach your photographs.
4. Mention any effect on health or belongings.
5. Ask the landlord to inspect and arrange repairs, and ask for a response by a reasonable date.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and save every reply.

Step 3: Allow a reasonable time

Give the landlord a fair opportunity to inspect the property and carry out repairs. What counts as reasonable depends on how serious the problem is — an active leak or a hazard affecting health is more urgent than minor surface mould. Keep logging what happens.

Step 4: Follow up in writing

If you hear nothing, follow up — again in writing — referring to your earlier message and its date. A clear paper trail showing repeated, reasonable requests is valuable if you later need to escalate.

Step 5: Escalate if the landlord does not act

If the landlord still does not deal with the problem, you have options.

• Local council Environmental Health team. Councils can inspect rented homes and, where damp and mould amount to a serious hazard, require the landlord to carry out work. This is often the most effective route for a private tenant.
• Citizens Advice. Free, confidential advice on your rights and the best next step for your situation and your part of the UK.
• Shelter / Shelter Cymru / Shelter Scotland. Housing advice and support.
• Social tenants can also use the landlord's formal complaints process and, if unresolved, take the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman (in England).

What not to do

• Do not stop paying rent as a protest — withholding rent can put your tenancy at risk. Get advice first.
• Do not carry out major works yourself and deduct the cost without taking advice, as the rules around this are strict.
• Do not ignore your own role in reducing condensation while you wait — ventilating and heating the home helps limit damage, even though it does not remove the landlord's duties. See how to stop condensation.

Keep the evidence together

Throughout, keep everything in one place: photographs, your log, copies of messages and replies, and any inspection reports. If the matter ever goes further, that organised record is the single most useful thing you can have.