Reporting damp and mould in your home
If you have followed the steps in this guide and know that the damp or mould is not being caused by your own actions (e.g. condensation damp - find out more), you should report it as soon as possible. Damp and mould can damage your home and affect your health.
The way you report the issue depends on who your landlord is.
If you rent from a housing association
Report damp, mould, or any repair issue directly to your housing association or council landlord as soon as possible - find out how to report a repair, how to complain and what to expect when you do.
Social landlords must meet strict response times under Awaab’s law.
Awaab’s law – what it means for you
Named after Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 from prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing flat, this law requires social landlords to carry out prompt investigations and repairs when serious hazards are reported. It ensures that issues such as dangerous damp, mould, and other emergency hazards are dealt with quickly.
Key time limits for repairs
| Hazard type | Investigation timeline | Action to make safe | Additional work start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency hazards* | Within 24 hours | Within 24 hours | Within 5 working days – all further work must start within 12 weeks |
| Significant damp or mould hazards | Within 10 working days | Within 5 working days after investigation | Within 5 working days – all further work must start within 12 weeks |
*If your home is not made safe within these timescales, your landlord must offer you suitable temporary accommodation until it is.
Who Awaab’s law applies to
This law covers most social housing tenants provided by:
- Housing associations
- Local councils who own housing stock
It does not automatically apply to people with licence agreements (such as temporary or supported accommodation), but all landlords must still make sure homes are safe and free from serious hazards.
What counts as a hazard
Emergency hazards include:
- Gas leaks
- Serious electrical faults
- Broken external doors or windows
- Major leaks or flooding
Significant damp or mould hazards include:
- Damp or mould growth that poses a risk to health (for example, causing breathing problems)
- Conditions likely to get worse if untreated
Visit our housing associations repairs and complaints section for more information on how to report damp, mould, or any repair issue directly to your housing association.
If you rent privately
If you rent your home from a private landlord or letting agent and your reports of damp or mould are not being addressed, our environmental health team can help. They can:
- Contact your landlord on your behalf
- Inspect the property if needed
- Require your landlord to make repairs
Make a a private rented housing complaint
Getting help and advice
The following organisations can provide independent advice about damp, mould, and your housing rights:
- Shelter - advice on tenants’ rights, repairs, disrepair, and eviction
- Citizens Advice - guidance on tenancy agreements, discrimination, and housing problems