Living with damp and mould isn’t just unpleasant — it can be harmful to your health and damaging to your home. If you’re in social housing and struggling with these issues, it’s important to know your rights and what steps you can take to get the problem resolved.
Why damp and mould are serious issues
Damp and mould can lead to respiratory problems, worsen existing health conditions, and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and personal belongings. Common signs include black patches on walls, peeling paint, musty smells, and condensation on windows.
In social housing, your landlord is responsible for tackling the root causes of damp and mould — whether that’s due to poor insulation, leaks, or inadequate ventilation. You should never be expected to simply “live with it” or be blamed for the issue without investigation.
What to do if you spot damp or mould
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Report it straight away – Contact your landlord or housing association and explain what you’ve noticed. Provide photos if possible.
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Keep records – Note down the date you reported the issue and keep copies of any emails or letters. These may be useful later if you need to escalate your complaint.
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Follow up in writing – If the issue isn’t fixed promptly, follow up with a written complaint to your landlord. Every social landlord should have a formal complaints process.
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Escalate if needed – If you’re not happy with the response, you can take your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman, who can investigate and recommend action.
You should not be blamed
While landlords may offer advice on reducing condensation — like opening windows or using extractor fans — this should not be used as an excuse to delay repairs or ignore underlying problems. The law is clear: social landlords have a duty to keep homes in a good state of repair and free from hazards that pose a risk to health.
For a full guide on your rights and how to get damp and mould dealt with in social housing, visit Shelter’s advice page:
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/damp_mould_social_housing
