Overview
You must inform your landlord/agent about damp and mould, keep a record of all conversations, emails and messages. Government guidance says that landlords should take damp and mould seriously.
The Renters’ Rights Act sets out how Awaab’s Law is being extended to the private rented sector
Your landlord must try to find out what’s causing the problem.
You should give your landlord/agent access to your home to inspect the problem. They must contact you to agree a suitable date and time to visit. Your landlord must give you 24 hours notice unless it is an emergency
If your landlord/agent cannot identify the cause of the problem, they should ask a damp surveyor. You do not have to pay for this.
How fast your landlord/agent must act depends on:
- how serious the problem is
- if anyone who lives with you is vulnerable
Damp and mould your landlord must fix
Your landlord must fix problems that cause damp, such as a:
- structural problem
- faulty installation
Your landlord must also fix damp and mould if it makes your home unfit to live in. (opens new page on Shelter website)
Other things your landlord must fix include:
- leaking internal pipes
- not enough ventilation
- broken boilers and heating systems
- cracked walls or rotten window frames
- leaking roofs, missing roof tiles or faulty guttering
Your landlord is also responsible for extractor fans they’ve installed.
Your landlord/agent should check if damp and mould return at least 6 weeks after the repairs.
They should also fix any damage caused by the damp. For example, redecorate or replace damaged plaster or carpets.
Condensation problems
Condensation is the most common cause of mould.
It happens when moisture in the air meets a cold surface, like a window or an external wall.
Your landlord/agent should not tell you:
- to paint over mould that keeps coming back
- that the problems are just condensation without checking
- to stop doing everyday things such as cooking or showering
It can help if you:
- open windows regularly
- cover pans when you cook
- dry clothes outdoors or in a dryer
- close internal doors when you cook or shower
- use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
- leave a gap between furniture and external walls
- wipe condensation from window sills each morning
Condensation is often worse in cold properties.
If you keep getting condensation, tell your landlord/agent if you’ve taken these steps but still have damp and mould.
Your landlord should:
- check why the property cannot cope with everyday living
- fix the underlying problem, such as not enough insulation or ventilation
The government guidance has a ventilation checklist for landlords. You can show it to your landlord or agent.
Contact your local council for help
Ask Ashford Borough Council for help
You can ask the council private rented sector team for help if the problem is serious.
The council can order your landlord to fix damp and mould.
It could give you a defence against revenge eviction if environmental health take steps to force your landlord to deal with damp and mould, but they are likely to give your landlord time to fix things without taking formal action first.
Ask Folkestone & Hythe District Council for help
If you have reported issues such as damp, disrepair, or dangerous installations and the landlord or agent is not responding or refuses to carry out works, you can contact the Private Sector Housing team to request an inspection of the property.
They will investigate any hazards found and liaise with your landlord or agent to help get the necessary repairs or improvements made.
To request an inspection, you will need to
Log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don’t already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7
Ask Dover District Council for help
Let your landlord know as soon as possible if you experience damp in your property. They are responsible for looking into what’s causing the problem and fixing any repairs that are needed to keep your home safe and comfortable.
While you’re waiting for your landlord to visit, it can help to gently clean away any small areas of mould so it doesn’t affect your health. See tips in the sections above on the best way to do this.
If you’re worried about removing the mould before the landlord sees it, take photos first. Cleaning it won’t stop a landlord from identifying what’s causing the damp.
Get in touch with our private sector housing team.
- email: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk
- phone: 01304 872397
Find out more about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants:
Complain about your letting agent
You can complain about your letting agent if they did something wrong, including:
- ignored your complaints
- told you to fix damp and mould yourself
- refused to tell the landlord about the problem
Ask the agent for a copy of their complaints policy if you cannot find it online.
Claiming compensation
You can do this if damp and mould have:
- damaged your belongings
- caused you health problems
- made all or parts of your home unfit to live in
- cost you money, for example because you have to run a dehumidifier all the time
You have to have evidence of the problems. You usually have at least 3 years to start a claim, so you could wait until after you move out. Find out more about legal action for disrepair and bad conditions.
Moving out
You may feel that the problems are so serious that you cannot live in your home any more.
Do not move out unless you have somewhere permanent to live.
Your landlord could keep your deposit or start a money claim for rent if you do not end your tenancy correctly.
Find out how to end a tenancy
If your landlord asks you to move out
Your landlord might tell you that you need to move out while the problem is fixed. Find out more about moving out temporarily.
If they want you to move out permanently, they must follow the correct legal process, if you are in this position please contact us for further advice
Ask the council for help before you move out
Very serious damp and mould could mean that you should get some priority with an application for social housing
Ask the council homelessness team for help before moving out. They might say you’ve made yourself homeless and refuse long term help if you move out first.
Folkestone & Hythe Homeless Team
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by Ashford Advice