How to raise damp and mould with your landlord (and get action)

Principles that prevent “cosmetic fixes”

1. Source control: stop the leak/ingress/defect.
2. Drying: dry building fabric, not just the air.
3. Safe remediation: remove/clean contaminated materials appropriately.
4. Verification: show the home is safe to occupy.

How to report effectively

• Report in writing (email/portal) and keep everything.
• Attach dated photos and a brief symptom timeline.
• Use health-focused language: “damp and mould hazard”, “medical vulnerability”, “safe to occupy”.
• Ask for timescales, named contact, and written findings.

Template email (copy/paste)

Subject: Damp and mould hazard – urgent investigation and repair plan (health impact)

Hello ,

I am reporting ongoing damp and/or mould at , affecting . This has been present since  and appears linked to .

We have clinically vulnerable occupants in the household, including , and symptoms are worsening.

Please confirm in writing:
1) the inspection date and who will attend,
2) the findings (including likely cause),
3) the repair and drying plan (including timeframes),
4) what remediation will be undertaken (not just surface cleaning/painting),
5) how you will confirm the property is safe to occupy once works are completed.

Thank you,

If you are told it is “lifestyle” or “just condensation”

You can reply calmly:

Thank you. We are doing reasonable ventilation and heating measures. However, the pattern and location suggest a building/ventilation defect that requires investigation and repair. Given medical vulnerability in the household, we need a written plan that addresses the underlying cause and confirms the home is safe to occupy.

When to escalate early

• Repeated failed repairs, or mould returns quickly
• Visible mould plus long-term damp patches
• Health deterioration, repeated GP/A&E attendances
• Pressure to accept repainting/bleach-only cleaning

See Page 6 for UK escalation routes and support organisations.