What to do about black mould in rental property: Your rights and the disrepair claims process
A housing disrepair claim is what you make when your landlord fails to fix serious problems in your rental home and those problems have ended up affecting your health, your belongings, or your quality of life. It’s not just about getting the repairs sorted, it can also mean claiming money back for the disruption caused to your daily life.
We’re talking about issues like:
- Black mould in rental property
- Leaky pipes or dodgy plumbing
- Broken heating during winter time
- Cracks in walls, dodgy windows, or a roof that lets the rain in
- Pest problems
If you have already notified your landlord about any of these issues and they are not dealing with the problem, you may be entitled to make a claim against them especially if you’re suffering from the effects of black mould in a rental property. It is worth contacting our team to see if you are entitled to compensation for damp and mould.
What to do if your landlord is refusing to fix things:
Let them know. In writing
Even if you’ve already had a chat or phoned them up, it’s important to follow up in writing. Send an email or a letter explaining exactly what the issue is, when it started, and how it’s affecting you. Attach photos if you’ve got them. The more detail, the better.
This isn’t just about being polite, it gives you a paper trail which will act as important pieces of evidence if you choose to escalate the case later. If things do end up going further, you’ll want tangible proof that you tried to get it sorted.
1. Give them a fair chance
Landlords are meant to fix things in a “reasonable” amount of time but what counts as reasonable depends on the problem. Urgent repairs (like no heating in winter or water leaks) should be looked at straight away, usually within 24–48 hours. Less urgent issues (like broken cupboards or small cosmetic problems) can take longer, but still shouldn’t be ignored for weeks on end. If your landlord hasn’t acted after two to three weeks (or sooner if it’s serious), it’s time to start thinking about your next steps.
2. Start gathering evidence
If they’re still dragging their heels, start collecting everything you can. This could include:
- Photos or videos of the damage
- Dates of when you first reported it
- Copies of texts, emails, or letters
- Medical notes (if your health’s been affected)
- Receipts for any damaged items (like mouldy clothes or carpets ruined by leaks)
This kind of evidence is especially important if you’re dealing with black mould in rental property or you are seeking compensation for damp and mould due to health impacts or property damage.
3. Contact your local council’s environmental health team
Still nothing? You can notify the environmental health team at your local council about the issue. They can make a visit to your home, inspect the property, and if needed, issue your landlord with an enforcement notice informing them that there is a serious issue in the property that they must take appropriate action to deal with it.
4. Consider a disrepair claim
If the problem’s been going on for a while, or if it’s made you ill or cost you money, you might be able to make a housing disrepair claim. This means you could:
- Get the repairs done
- Claim compensation for damp and mould, particularly if you’ve suffered health issues like breathing problems due to black mould in your rental property
You don’t have to do this alone, either. Companies like Disrepair Support work with experienced solicitors who deal with these types of claims every day. Most of the time, they’ll work on a no win, no fee basis — so you don’t pay unless the case is successful.
What might you get compensation for?
If your claim is successful, you could be compensated for things like:
- Health problems (breathing issues from mould, stress, anxiety, etc.)
- Damaged belongings (clothes, furniture, tech, etc.)
- The stress and inconvenience of living in a place that isn’t fit to live in
The amount of money awarded in relation to compensation for issues such as damp and mould will depend on the severity of the disrepair. It will also be determined by the length of time that the issue has been persisting for. It is worth seeing where you stand and if you qualify.
What if the landlord tries to fight it?
Sometimes landlords don’t take these claims seriously until legal action is involved.
The moment a solicitor decides to intervene, landlords will usually either agree to make the repairs or try and negotiate a settlement. If they refuse to cooperate, the case can go to court but your solicitor will handle that part.
In court, a judge might:
- Legally enforce your landlord to take action and fix any disrepairs
- Make a ruling that you must be awarded compensation for damp and mould
- Or both
However, in most cases both parties tend to reach a settlement, which means it doesn’t usually escalate to a court hearing.
Can you be evicted for making a claim?
Not legally. If you’re on an assured shorthold tenancy (which most people are), your landlord can’t evict you simply because you asked for repairs or made a claim. That’s considered retaliatory eviction, and it’s against the law. If you’re worried about that happening, talk to a solicitor or tenant support service before taking the next step.
Final thoughts
You shouldn’t be forced to live in housing conditions that negatively impact your quality of life. Problems such as black mould in rental property are serious, and your landlord has a legal responsibility to address them. If they continue to ignore your reports and fail to act, you have every right to hold them accountable.
If your landlord is refusing to cooperate after you’ve reported these problems, Disrepair Support can help. We will assess your case, explain your options, and connect you with a solicitor who will guide you through your next steps, all with no upfront cost.
Think you’ve got a housing disrepair claim?
Contact us today and find out how we can help you pursue compensation for damp and mould and get the repairs you’re entitled to.