Damp and Mould in UK Homes: Why It Matters and What You Can Do

❗ Why Damp and Mould Are Dangerous

Damp and mould are not just unsightly. They pose serious health risks, especially for people with:

• Aspergillosis or other fungal lung diseases
• Asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis
• Weakened immune systems
• Babies, pregnant women, and older adults

According to the NICE NG149 guidance, exposure to damp and mould can:

• Trigger asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness
• Worsen existing lung conditions such as ABPA or CPA
• Increase risk of respiratory infections and fungal illnesses
• Affect mental wellbeing, sleep, and quality of life

⚖️ What the Law Says: Landlord Responsibilities

Under UK law, landlords must make sure homes are fit to live in and free from serious health hazards:

1. Damp and Mould = Category 1 Hazard

• Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), serious damp or mould is a Category 1 hazard
• Councils must take action if they find this level of risk

2. Fitness for Human Habitation (Homes Act 2018)

• All rented homes must be safe, dry, and free from serious damp and mould
• Tenants can take their landlord to court if repairs aren’t made in a reasonable time

3. Landlords Must Act Promptly

• Landlords must fix the cause of damp/mould (e.g., leaking guttering, blocked hoppers, rising damp), not just cover it up
• Repairs must be made within a reasonable timeframe, especially where health is affected

4. Councils Can Enforce Action

• If landlords refuse to act, local authorities can intervene and even carry out repairs themselves

🧱 What Makes a Home Unsafe Due to Damp or Mould?

A home may be considered unsafe if any of the following apply:

• Visible mould covering walls, ceilings, windowsills, or furniture
• Persistent musty odours indicating hidden damp
• Peeling paint, warped skirting boards, or discoloured walls due to moisture
• Condensation that doesn’t improve with ventilation
• Damp that leads to recurring respiratory symptoms
• Evidence of penetrating damp from leaks, poor guttering, or water ingress
• Cold and humid indoor environments where mould easily regrows

These conditions can meet the threshold for a Category 1 hazard, especially when a vulnerable person lives in the home.

🚫 What to Do If You Are Being Ignored

If your landlord or council does nothing about serious damp and mould, you have options:

1. Keep Evidence

• Take dated photos of the problem
• Save copies of emails and letters you’ve sent
• Keep a record of symptoms or doctor visits

2. Use the Law

• Take action under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
• You may be entitled to repairs and compensation for harm to your health or belongings

3. Contact Environmental Health

• Your local council’s Environmental Health team can inspect your home and issue legal notices to your landlord

4. Ask Your Doctor to Support You

• A simple letter from your GP stating your condition (e.g. aspergillosis) and how mould affects you can help push action

5. Speak to Your MP

• Your Member of Parliament (MP) can contact the council or housing provider on your behalf

👤 For Patients with Aspergillosis or Lung Conditions

People with aspergillosis, ABPA, CPA, or asthma are especially vulnerable to mould-related illness. NICE guidance NG149 says:

• Medical evidence is not required to trigger housing action, but
• Doctors should ask about home conditions if someone’s symptoms worsen
• Councils and landlords must take urgent action when health is at risk

If you’ve been trying to get help for months or even years with no success, you’re not alone. You are entitled to live in a safe, healthy home.

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