Mould in Rental Properties: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities
Have you noticed dark spots appearing on the bathroom ceiling? Or maybe your tenants keep reporting condensation on the windows that never seems to clear? Mould in rental property is more common than people think, especially during the colder months when homes are sealed up to keep the heat in.
For tenants, it can feel worrying and uncomfortable to live with. For landlords, it often means ongoing complaints, repair bills and the risk of legal disputes. The big question we hear time and again is simple: who is responsible for mould in a rented house, the landlord or the tenant?
The answer depends on the cause. Sometimes mould is linked to the way a property is being used, while in other cases it is tied to structural issues, poor ventilation or damp that the landlord must put right.
In this guide, we explain how to work out the cause, what the law expects from each side, and the practical steps that can stop mould problems from coming back.
At Condensation Cured, we specialise in helping both landlords and tenants by identifying the source of mould, removing it safely and putting long-term solutions in place.
UK Law: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities Explained
When mould shows up in a rental property, one of the first questions is always the same: is mould the landlord’s responsibility, or the tenant’s? The law gives clear duties to both sides, but the answer usually depends on what is causing the problem.
Landlord Responsibilities for Mould
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must make sure their properties are safe and fit to live in. That includes dealing with serious damp and mould problems.
Landlords are usually responsible for mould if it is caused by:
Structural issues such as leaks, rising damp or poor insulation
Lack of adequate ventilation, for example no working extractor fans in kitchens or bathrooms
Faulty heating systems that leave the property cold and prone to condensation
In simple terms, if the mould is linked to the building itself or its facilities, it is the landlord’s duty to fix it. Once a tenant reports the issue, the landlord must investigate and carry out repairs. Ignoring it could put them in breach of housing law and the tenancy agreement.
Tenant Responsibilities for Mould
Tenants also have a role to play in keeping their home free from mould. Everyday habits can make a big difference to humidity levels indoors.
Tenants are expected to:
Heat the property adequately so rooms do not stay cold and damp
Ventilate spaces by opening windows or using extractor fans
Avoid lifestyle habits that increase moisture, such as drying clothes on radiators without ventilation
If mould develops mainly because of how the home is being used, the responsibility may fall to the tenant rather than the landlord.
Finding the Balance
In reality, mould responsibility is not always straightforward. A patch of black mould in a rental property could be caused by poor insulation, or it could be down to a lack of ventilation. Often it takes a professional survey to identify the real cause and work out whether the landlord or tenant is responsible.
At Condensation Cured, we provide independent inspections that help settle the question fairly, so the right action can be taken quickly.
What Tenants Should Do if They Find Mould
Finding mould in a rented house can feel stressful, but the most important thing is to act quickly. The sooner it is reported, the easier it is to deal with and the less chance it has to spread.
Here are the steps tenants should take:
1. Report it in writing
Let your landlord or letting agent know as soon as possible. Always do this in writing (email or letter) so you have a clear record of when the issue was raised.
2. Keep evidence
Take photos of the affected areas and keep copies of any messages you send. This can help if there are later questions about how long the mould has been there.
3. Take reasonable steps in the meantime
While waiting for your landlord to respond, try to reduce moisture levels where you can. Open windows for short periods, use extractor fans if they are fitted, and keep the property heated where possible. These small actions can help stop the mould from spreading further.
4. Seek advice if nothing happens
If your landlord does not respond, tenants in the UK have the right to escalate the issue. You can contact Citizens Advice or your local council’s Environmental Health team for support. They can step in if a property is not being kept in a safe, habitable condition.
Remember, tenants’ rights on mould in the UK are clear: landlords must provide a home that is fit to live in. Reporting issues early and keeping records helps make sure the problem is taken seriously.
What Landlords Should Do if Mould is Reported
For landlords, mould complaints can feel frustrating, but ignoring them is never an option. Under UK housing law, landlords have a clear responsibility to deal with mould if it is linked to the property itself.
Acting quickly not only protects your tenants’ health but also prevents damage to your investment.
Here’s a sensible approach landlords can take:
1. Investigate promptly
As soon as a tenant reports mould in a rental property, arrange to inspect the problem. Sometimes it is easy to spot the cause, such as a leaking gutter or broken extractor fan. Other times it may not be obvious.
2. Arrange a professional survey if needed
When it is unclear whether mould is caused by lifestyle or by the building, a professional inspection is the best way forward. At Condensation Cured, we provide surveys that identify the root cause so responsibility is clear.
3. Fix the underlying issue
If the mould is linked to the property’s condition, landlords are responsible for putting it right. This could mean repairing leaks, improving insulation, or installing effective ventilation such as extractor fans or Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems.
4. Support your tenants
Even when repairs are carried out, it helps to give tenants clear advice on how to prevent mould in the future. Simple tips on heating, ventilation and managing condensation can reduce the risk of the problem coming back.
By tackling mould issues in rented properties quickly and fairly, landlords not only meet their legal responsibilities but also build better relationships with tenants and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Why Mould Disputes Happen So Often
Mould in rental property is one of the most common sources of tension between landlords and tenants. The problem is that the cause is not always obvious, which makes it easy for each side to feel the other is at fault.
Some of the most common reasons disputes happen include:
Condensation vs damp confusion
Tenants may see black mould on walls and assume it is rising damp or a structural issue, when in reality it could be condensation linked to everyday living habits.
Lifestyle assumptions
Landlords sometimes assume mould is always down to tenants not ventilating or heating the property properly, but in many cases the real cause is poor insulation, leaks or lack of extractor fans.
Late reporting
If mould is not reported straight away, it can spread quickly. By the time the landlord sees it, the damage looks worse than it really is, which can create frustration on both sides.
Modern airtight homes
Newer properties are designed to hold in heat, but this also means they hold on to moisture. Without proper ventilation, mould can appear even when tenants are doing their best to manage it.
Because the root cause is not always clear, it often takes a professional inspection to provide an independent answer.
At Condensation Cured, we help both landlords and tenants by identifying exactly why mould is happening and recommending the right fix. That way, disputes can be avoided and the focus stays on solving the problem.
How Condensation Cured Helps Landlords and Tenants
At Condensation Cured, we know how stressful mould in rental property can be. For tenants, it affects day-to-day comfort and health.
For landlords, it creates ongoing complaints, repair bills and the risk of legal disputes. That is why our focus is always on solving the root cause, not just cleaning the surface.
Here is how we help:
Free visual assessments
We start with a clear inspection of the property. Our team can confirm the type of mould, identify the cause and give an honest view on whether responsibility lies with the landlord or tenant.
Expert identification and safe mould removal
Not all mould is the same. We use industry-approved methods to remove mould safely, without spreading spores around the home, and without relying on quick fixes that only mask the problem.
Long-term prevention
We specialise in prevention as much as treatment. Whether that means installing Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems, upgrading extractor fans, or carrying out damp proofing, we make sure mould has no reason to return.
Support for landlords and housing providers
For landlords with a single property or housing providers managing a full portfolio, we offer tailored support packages. These reduce tenant complaints, cut down on long-term maintenance costs and help ensure legal responsibilities are met.
With nationwide coverage and certified technicians, we are here to help wherever you are in the UK. Whether you are a tenant worried about black mould in a rented house or a landlord dealing with recurring mould issues in rental properties, Condensation Cured provides the expertise and reassurance you need.
What Happens if Mould is Ignored?
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, ignoring mould in a rental property is never the right option. Even a small patch can spread quickly if the cause is not dealt with, and the longer it is left, the bigger the problem becomes.
Here are the risks of leaving mould untreated:
Health problems
Black mould in rental property is particularly concerning. It can trigger asthma attacks, worsen allergies and cause ongoing respiratory issues. For children, older tenants or anyone with existing health conditions, the risks are even higher.
Property damage
Mould does not just sit on the surface. It can stain walls, eat into plaster and damage woodwork. Over time, this leaves landlords with more expensive repairs and a property that is harder to rent out.
Legal and Financial Consequences
If mould is reported but not dealt with, landlords may be seen as failing to keep the property safe and habitable. This can lead to official complaints, involvement from Environmental Health and, in some cases, legal action.
Strained Relationships
Mould in rented houses is one of the most common causes of disputes between landlords and tenants. When it is not addressed quickly, trust breaks down and the tenancy relationship can suffer.
The bottom line is simple: mould never goes away on its own. Tackling it early protects tenants’ health, saves landlords money and prevents disputes from escalating.
Mould in Rental Properties FAQs
Is mould the landlord’s responsibility?
In most cases, yes. If mould in a rental property is caused by structural issues such as leaks, rising damp, poor insulation or a lack of ventilation, then it is the landlord’s responsibility to put it right. Landlords are legally required to ensure the property is safe and habitable.
Can tenants be responsible for mould?
Yes. If mould develops because of how the property is being used, the tenant may be responsible. Common examples include not heating rooms properly, blocking air vents, or drying clothes indoors without ventilation. Tenants are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent condensation and mould.
What are tenants’ rights on mould in the UK?
Tenants in the UK have the right to live in a home that is fit for human habitation. If mould in a rented house is caused by the property’s condition and the landlord does not act after being notified, tenants can escalate the issue to the local council’s Environmental Health team or seek advice from Citizens Advice.
What should I do if I find black mould in a rental property?
Black mould is a serious health risk, so it should be reported straight away. Tenants should notify their landlord in writing and keep evidence such as photos. Landlords should arrange for safe removal and address the underlying cause to stop it from returning.
Who is responsible for mould in a private rented property?
In private rented properties, the same rules apply as in social housing. Landlords are responsible if the mould is due to the building or its facilities, while tenants are responsible if it is mainly caused by lifestyle factors. A survey can help establish the true cause.
How can mould problems in rented houses be prevented?
Prevention usually requires a mix of landlord and tenant action. Landlords can install proper ventilation, repair leaks and improve insulation.
Tenants can reduce moisture by ventilating rooms, heating the property, and avoiding habits that create excess condensation.
What happens if mould issues in rental properties are ignored?
Ignoring mould can lead to health problems, costly property damage, and legal consequences. For landlords, failing to act can result in enforcement action or compensation claims. For tenants, not reporting mould promptly can make it harder to prove the landlord is responsible.
Is mould in a rented house classed as a hazard?
Yes. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), damp and mould are considered category 1 hazards if they pose a significant risk to health. In these cases, landlords must take action to resolve the problem.
What if I’m not sure whether the landlord or tenant is responsible?
Responsibility is not always clear-cut. If there is uncertainty, the best step is to arrange a professional inspection. At Condensation Cured, we carry out surveys that identify the root cause of mould in rental property and provide a clear plan for fixing it.