A report of damp or mould needs a practical response, not an argument about who opened a window. Government guidance for rented housing in England, updated on 1 April 2026, asks landlords to investigate urgently, deal with the underlying cause and keep residents informed.
This guide replaces an archived 2023 opinion article. It focuses on the current official response guidance rather than repeating the original claims about tenant behaviour or predicting the outcome of a legal dispute.
Start with the report
Record when the concern was received, which rooms are affected and what the resident has described. The government says landlords should assess severity and potential risks promptly. They should not wait for medical evidence before acting. Photographs and a record of the affected areas, taken before mould removal, can help an investigation.
Tell the resident what happens next: who will arrange access, who is responsible for the investigation and when they can expect an update. A vague promise to look into it leaves everyone uncertain. An agreed communication point is particularly useful where an agent, owner and contractor are all involved.
Find the cause, not just the visible patch
Official guidance identifies building defects, inadequate ventilation and condensation among the matters to investigate. Removing surface mould alone does not prevent recurrence. Use an appropriately qualified professional where needed, and distinguish immediate action from the work required to resolve the cause.
For example, a maintenance record can have separate entries for the initial assessment, the diagnosis, the agreed repair and the follow-up. This makes it easier to see whether a job described as completed actually addressed the problem that was reported.
Follow up after repairs
The guidance recommends an inspection at least six weeks after remedial work to check whether damp or mould has returned. Further investigation is needed if it has. Plan that follow-up when arranging the works, rather than relying on the tenant to restart the reporting process.
Advice about heating and ventilation must not replace work to address underlying problems. The guidance also recognises that some households find their homes difficult or expensive to heat.
Keep the legal position separate
Standards and requirements can differ between private and social housing. This response checklist does not set out a universal statutory deadline or decide liability in an individual case. Landlords and agents should check the rules applying to their property and tenancy, and seek appropriate advice where needed.
Source: Government guidance, Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home, updated 1 April 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home--2