In most cases, your landlord is responsible for the repair and maintenance of your home. However, tenants still have a responsibility to look after their homes and take steps to reduce condensation and damp.

The most recent government guidance states that tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould, and that these problems are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’. It is the responsibility of the landlord to identify and address the cause of the problem. You can read the latest GOV.UK guidance here:

GOV.UK - Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home

You can find further information about how to make sure that a rented property is safe to live in on the GOV.UK website:

GOV.UK - How to rent a safe home

GOV.UK - Guide for tenants: Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

Tenant responsibility

Tenants are expected to properly ventilate and heat their home to reduce the potential for damp and mould growth. This is sometimes called 'acting in a tenant-like manner'.

Landlord responsibility

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that the properties they provide are safe. In the event that damp and mould within your home is being caused as a result of a defect or disrepair, please contact your landlord immediately in writing to notify them of the issue.

Landlords and homeowners are responsible for looking after the condition of their properties. It is important to manage condensation to stop the problems from getting worse.

Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.

It is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem of damp and mould, such as structural issues, disrepair, inadequate insulation, heating and ventilation.