Can I Sue My Landlord for Damp and Mould?

Last Updated: 7 September 2026 I Reading Time: 5 minutes

Summary

Yes, you may be able to sue your landlord for damp and mould if they knew about the problem and failed to fix it within a reasonable time. If the damp or mould has damaged your belongings, affected your health, or made your home difficult to live in, you could be entitled to compensation and repairs.

Key points

• You can make a housing disrepair claim for damp and mould in certain circumstances.
• Landlords are responsible for fixing many issues that cause damp and mould.
• You must usually show that your landlord knew about the problem.
• You may be able to claim compensation for damaged belongings and health issues.
• Photographs, emails, and medical records can help support your claim.

Can You Take Legal Action Against a Landlord for Damp and Mould?

Living with damp and mould can be stressful and unhealthy. Many tenants report problems to their landlord multiple times but see little or no action.

In England and Wales, landlords have a legal duty to keep rented properties in a reasonable state of repair. If damp and mould are being caused by issues such as leaking pipes, defective roofing, broken gutters, or poor ventilation that the landlord is responsible for, they should arrange repairs.

If your landlord has been told about the problem and fails to fix it, you may have grounds to make a housing disrepair claim.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

You may be able to claim compensation if:

• Your landlord was aware of the damp or mould.
• They failed to carry out repairs within a reasonable time.
• The problem caused damage to your belongings.
• The damp or mould affected your health.
• You experienced distress or were unable to fully use parts of your home.

Every case is different, but compensation is often based on how long the problem lasted and how it affected your daily life.

What Evidence Do You Need?

If you are thinking about making a claim, try to keep evidence such as:

• Photos and videos of the damp and mould.
• Emails, letters, or text messages sent to your landlord.
• Medical records if your health has been affected.
• Receipts for damaged belongings.
• Notes of when you reported the issue and any responses received.

The more evidence you have, the easier it may be to show that your landlord failed to deal with the problem.

How Can a Solicitor Help?

A housing disrepair solicitor can assess your situation, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation if your landlord has failed to meet their responsibilities.

At GLP Solicitors, we help tenants understand their rights and take action when landlords fail to address serious housing disrepair issues.

Frequently Asked Questions