Research Claims Damp and Mould Is Harming Tenants’ Mental Health

New research has highlighted the impact unresolved damp and mould can have on tenants’ mental wellbeing, particularly where landlords fail to deal with problems after they are reported. 

New research claims that private renters and social housing tenants are suffering anxiety and poor mental wellbeing by unresolved damp and mould problems in their homes. The findings come from research by the Centre for Ageing Better, based on a survey of 3,982 people conducted by Censuswide and commissioned by Health Equals. 

Almost three in 10 respondents living in private rented accommodation or social housing who had previously experienced problems with condensation, damp or mould said their landlord had not resolved the issue. More than 40% of respondents living in rented or social housing, where someone in the household had experienced stress, anxiety or depression due to cold, condensation, damp or mould, said the problem had not been resolved by their landlord. 

Millie Brown, deputy director for homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said no one should have to live in a cold, damp or mouldy home that damages their health or potentially poses a threat to their life. She also said many people most at risk, particularly those with health conditions and older people, are disproportionately living in poor quality homes that are making them more ill. 

For social housing tenants, the findings are an important reminder that damp and mould should not be treated as a minor repair issue. Where a landlord has been told about damp or mould and the issue continues, tenants may need to understand their options. 

Damp and mould can affect mental health as well as physical health 

Damp and mould are often discussed in terms of respiratory illness, asthma, chest infections and other physical health concerns. Those risks are serious, but they are not the only impact. 

Government guidance on the health risks of damp and mould says the presence of damp and mould can also affect tenants’ mental health. This may be linked to worries about physical health, unpleasant living conditions, damage to property and belongings, poor advice, being blamed for the issue, social isolation and delays or poor-quality repairs after damp and mould has been reported. 

For tenants, that can mean living with constant worry about whether the mould is affecting children, elderly relatives or people with health conditions. It can also mean trying to keep bedding, clothes, furniture and children’s belongings clean and dry while waiting for repairs that keep being delayed. 

Where mould keeps returning, tenants may feel that they are reporting the same problem repeatedly without being heard. This is why clear communication and proper investigation matter. 

Why landlords need to find the cause 

Damp and mould can be caused by several issues, including inadequate heating, poor insulation, building defects, slow repairs and a lack of ventilation. In some homes, more than one issue may be involved. 

If the problem is linked to disrepair, landlords should not simply remove surface mould and close the job. Government guidance says landlords should identify and tackle the underlying causes of damp and mould, including building deficiencies, inadequate ventilation and condensation. Simply removing surface mould will not stop damp and mould from reappearing. 

This is particularly important where tenants have reported damp and mould, leaks or water damage, faulty heating or boiler problems, broken windows or doors or other repair issues that may be contributing to the condition of the home. 

Tenants should report problems as soon as they become aware of them. Once the landlord has been notified, it should take the concern seriously, inspect where needed, explain what will happen next and carry out appropriate repairs within a reasonable time. 

Awaab’s Law and serious damp and mould 

In England, social landlords now also have duties under Awaab’s Law, which was introduced following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak and sets fixed timescales for dealing with emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards. The first phase came into force on 27 October 2025 and applies to the social rented sector where the legal criteria are met. 

Awaab’s Law is important because it reflects a wider shift in how serious damp and mould should be treated. Landlords should not delay action while waiting for medical evidence where damp and mould has been reported, especially if there are concerns about a tenant’s health. 

For tenants, the key point is simple: serious damp and mould should not be ignored, dismissed or allowed to continue without proper investigation. 

What can tenants do if damp and mould is affecting them? 

If you are living with damp and mould, it is important to keep clear records. Useful evidence may include photographs, videos, repair reference numbers, emails, letters, complaint responses, inspection notes, medical information and a diary of when the problem was reported. 

You should also keep evidence of any damage to belongings, such as clothing, bedding, furniture, carpets or children’s items. If the condition of the home is affecting your health or mental wellbeing, you may wish to speak to a medical professional and keep a record of any advice or treatment. 

If your landlord does not resolve the issue, you can make a formal complaint. If the complaint remains unresolved, social housing tenants may be able to refer it to the Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS) for free. 

HOS can investigate complaints, make findings and recommend action, including repairs, apologies and compensation. However, the process can take time and may not always provide the urgent or enforceable outcome tenants need. 

Can damp and mould lead to a housing disrepair claim? 

A housing disrepair claim may be possible where a social landlord has been told about a repair problem but has failed to deal with it properly. 

Compensation may reflect factors such as how long the home was affected, loss of enjoyment of the property, inconvenience, damaged belongings and the impact on health or day-to-day life. Every case depends on its own facts and evidence. 

Tenants may wish to seek legal advice where damp and mould repairs have been repeatedly delayed, the home is unsafe or unfit to live in, health has been affected, belongings have been damaged, or the landlord has failed to act despite repeated reports. 

How Premier Legal Assist can help 

If you are a social housing tenant and your council or housing association has failed to deal with reported damp, mould, leaks, heating problems or other housing issues, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. 

Premier Legal Assist works with specialist no-win, no-fee housing disrepair solicitors who regularly handle housing association and council cases. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, push for the repairs you are owed, and pursue compensation where appropriate. 

To find out if you are eligible, complete our short claim form or message us on WhatsApp and a member of our team will be in touch.