Who this applies to
This guide is for private tenants, council tenants, housing association tenants, and social housing tenants in the UK who have reported damp or mould and need practical next steps. The exact route for complaints can differ depending on whether your landlord is private, a council, or a housing association.
Why damp and mould should be reported quickly
Damp and mould can spread and may affect how rooms are used. Reporting early helps show when the landlord first had notice of the problem. It also helps separate repair issues, such as leaks or defective windows, from everyday condensation concerns. If the problem is linked to a leak, broken extractor fan, failed heating, damaged plaster, or water ingress, say so clearly.
If you need wider housing disrepair support, keep your explanation factual and avoid guessing about the cause unless you know it.
What to do now
- Write to the landlord, council, housing association, or letting agent with the address, affected rooms, and a short description.
- Attach dated photos or videos showing the damp, mould, staining, leaks, or damaged surfaces.
- Ask for confirmation that the repair has been logged and request a repair reference number.
- Keep access available for inspection where it is reasonable and safe to do so.
- Follow up if you receive no response or if appointments are missed.
- Keep a timeline of reports, replies, visits, and any work carried out.
What to include in your written repair report
A useful report states what the problem is, when it started, where it is, and how it affects the home. Mention whether children, older people, disabled people, or anyone with a relevant health condition lives in the property, but keep sensitive medical detail brief unless you are asked for it by an appropriate adviser.
For help structuring the message, read our guide to reporting housing disrepair in writing.
What evidence helps
- Photos and videos taken from the same position over time.
- Copies of emails, letters, portal messages, and text messages.
- Repair reference numbers and appointment dates.
- Notes about missed appointments or repeat visits.
- Records showing health or daily-life impact, such as rooms not being usable.
Our evidence checklist for tenants sets out the main records to keep in date order.
When to escalate the issue
Escalation may be appropriate if the landlord does not respond, does not inspect, misses appointments, carries out temporary work that does not address the problem, or leaves serious damp and mould continuing. Use the landlord's complaints process first where available. Council and housing association tenants may also need to understand the social landlord complaints route.
Useful official sources
- Shelter: repairs and housing conditions
- Citizens Advice: repairs and housing conditions
- Housing Ombudsman: damp and mould expectations
Check your housing disrepair situation
Share the basic facts, what has been reported, and what evidence you already have. ClaimGrid can help you understand practical next steps without promising a specific outcome.
Start a Housing Disrepair Enquiry