Damp and mould can damage your belongings and affect your health, so it's worth dealing with it early rather than hoping it'll disappear. ‍There are different causes of damp and mould, and it isn't always as simple as being told to open a window more often. If you're renting, report the problem to your landlord or agent so they have the opportunity to investigate what's causing it.

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What should I do when I notice damp or mould?

Take photos and report it in writing. Tell your landlord or agent:

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• where the damp or mould is

• when you first noticed it

• whether it's getting worse

• whether there's a leak or obvious damage

• whether you've noticed condensation

• whether it's affecting your belongings

• whether you've previously reported it

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Keep your photos and messages in case you need them later.

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What could be causing it?

Damp and mould can have several causes. These include:

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• condensation

• leaking pipes

• a leaking roof

• damaged gutters

• problems with windows

• poor ventilation

• inadequate heating

• problems with insulation

• water getting through the walls

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You don't need to diagnose the building yourself. What's important is giving your landlord enough information to investigate the problem.

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Is damp or mould my responsibility?

Not automatically. Your landlord is responsible for certain repairs and for making sure your home is fit to live in under the Fit for Human Habitation Act. If damp or mould is being caused by a repair problem they're responsible for, they may need to fix the underlying issue.

There are also things you can reasonably do to reduce condensation, where you're able to. These could include:

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• using extractor fans

• using ventilation provided in the property

• keeping trickle vents open

• avoiding blocking vents

• covering pans when cooking

• drying clothes outside or using appropriate drying facilities where possible

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But advice about ventilation or heating doesn't remove your landlord's responsibility to investigate problems with the property. And we know that keeping a home constantly heated isn't realistic or affordable for everyone.

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Shelter explains your rights if you have damp and mould in a rented home.

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What if my landlord says I've caused the mould?

Ask them to explain why and what evidence they're relying on. If you think there's an underlying problem with the property, tell them what you've noticed and ask them to investigate it. Keep:

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• photos showing how the problem develops

• emails reporting it

• details of leaks or other repairs

• photos of damaged belongings

• copies of anything your landlord or agent tells you to do

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If you're unsure how to respond, our Advice Team can help.

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What if it's affecting my health?

You don't need to wait until a problem becomes severe before reporting it.

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If damp or mould is affecting your health, consider speaking to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. Keep a record of how the housing problem is affecting you, particularly if you're asking your landlord or the Council to take action.

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If you have concerns about your immediate health, use NHS 111 for medical advice or 999 in an emergency.

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What if my landlord isn't doing anything?

Follow up in writing. Be clear about what the problem is, when you first reported it and what action you're asking them to take.

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If the problem isn't being dealt with, you can contact Exeter City Council's Private Sector Housing team.

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The Council can investigate housing conditions and may be able to take action where there's a hazard. Report a problem with a privately rented property to Exeter City Council.

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Can I stop paying my rent?

Don't simply stop paying rent because you have damp or mould. Withholding rent can put you into arrears and may create additional housing problems.

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If your landlord isn't dealing with a serious issue, talk to us about the options available to you instead.

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How can the Guild help?

If you're being blamed for damp or mould, repairs aren't happening or you're not sure what your landlord should be doing, talk to us. We can help you understand your rights, organise your evidence and look at what you could do next.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com for support.

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