Damp, mould and aspergillosis in rented homes (UK)

Who this guide is for

• People living with Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and other long-term lung disease.
• People living with Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or Severe asthma with fungal sensitisation.
• Carers, family members, and support workers.
• Clinicians and housing professionals seeking a patient-centred overview.

The key message

A damp home does not automatically cause aspergillosis. However, damp and mould can:

• worsen airway inflammation and symptoms
• trigger exacerbations in asthma/bronchiectasis
• increase allergic-type reactions in sensitised people
• make it harder to stabilise symptoms even with optimal treatment

This hub focuses on practical steps: recognising risk early, communicating effectively, understanding remediation quality, and using UK escalation routes.

How to use this hub

1. Start with Recognising a damp home to build an evidence base.
2. Read Health effects to understand patterns that support an environmental contribution.
3. Use Landlord communications to push for a safe plan, not cosmetic fixes.
4. Check Remediation & refusal to move if you’re being pressured to return.
5. Use Law & support for UK rights and escalation routes.

Important safety note

If you have severe breathlessness, chest tightness, wheeze, or features of anaphylaxis (for example lip/tongue swelling, throat tightness, collapse), seek urgent medical help. If you are repeatedly attending A&E with symptoms that seem worse at home, tell clinicians you are concerned about damp/mould exposure.