Black Mould in a Rented Property: What Tenants Should Do

Who is responsible for black mould in a rented property?

In most cases your landlord is responsible, because black mould is usually a symptom of damp caused by disrepair such as roof leaks, faulty guttering, penetrating damp or rising damp. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure and exterior in repair and deal with issues that make a home unfit to live in. You are only responsible where mould results purely from how you live, for example never opening windows or blocking every air vent, and even then the boundary is often blurred. Establishing the true cause is exactly why a professional mould inspection matters: it separates condensation from a genuine building fault.

What are the signs of a serious black mould problem?

The clearest sign is black or dark green mould that returns within days of cleaning, which points to an ongoing moisture source rather than a one-off. Watch for these:

• Black spotting around windows, in corners and behind furniture on external walls
• A persistent musty, earthy smell that lingers even when rooms look clean
• Damp patches, blistering paint or bubbling plaster
• Condensation running down windows most mornings
• Cold walls that feel wet to the touch
• Worsening coughs, wheezing or aggravated asthma among the household

How should a tenant report black mould to a landlord?

Report it in writing so there is a dated record, then follow a clear process to protect yourself.

1. Photograph every affected area with good lighting, and film short clips if the problem is widespread.
2. Email or message your landlord or letting agent describing the location, extent and any health effects.
3. Ask for a written timescale for inspection and repair.
4. Keep copies of every message, response and photo in one place.
5. If nothing happens, send a follow-up in writing and reference your earlier report.

Written evidence is powerful. If the matter escalates to your local council or a tribunal, a clear paper trail showing when you reported the problem often decides the outcome.

What are Awaab’s Law and the Renters’ Rights Act?

They are the two pieces of legislation that now force landlords to act on damp and mould within fixed timeframes rather than delaying indefinitely. Awaab’s Law, introduced after the death of Awaab Ishak, requires landlords to investigate and address reported hazards such as damp and mould within set deadlines, starting in the social rented sector and extending in scope. The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens tenants’ protections and is designed to apply decent-homes standards more widely, including to private rentals, making it harder for landlords to ignore serious damp. In practice this means once you have reported mould in writing, the clock is running on your landlord’s legal duty to respond.

Can I clean black mould myself while I wait?

Yes, you can safely tackle small patches under about one square metre, but never disturb large areas or anything that may hide a bigger problem. Ventilate the room, wear gloves and a mask, and wipe affected surfaces with a proprietary mould remover, avoiding dry brushing that sends spores into the air. Do not simply paint over mould, as it will bleed back through. Cleaning manages symptoms; it does not fix the moisture source. Where mould is extensive, keeps returning or sits behind plaster, professional mould remediation is needed to treat the cause and the affected fabric properly.

How does a professional survey help my case?

A survey gives you objective, documented proof of the cause and severity, which is exactly what tenants and landlords need to resolve a dispute. We confirm the price on a written quote once we understand the problem. Our Damp, Mould and Water Damage Assessment (what many people call a damp survey) produces a full insurance-ready written report with a photographic evidence appendix, clear findings and prioritised recommendations. That report identifies whether you are dealing with condensation, penetrating damp or rising damp, and sets out what should be done and in what order. The cost of any remedial work afterwards depends on factors such as the source of moisture, how far it has spread, the materials involved and access, which is why the report prioritises the work rather than guessing at figures.

Arrange your Damp, Mould and Water Damage Assessment

Damp & Mould Solutions UK carries out Damp, Mould and Water Damage Assessments across the UK, including London boroughs such as Camden, Islington, Hackney, Lambeth, Southwark, Wandsworth, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and surrounding boroughs. If black mould has appeared in your rented home, call us on 020 3051 8478 or send photos via WhatsApp for an initial view before we attend. We will assess the problem, explain the likely cause and provide the written evidence you need to get it resolved.

If you've got damp, mould, or a leak, you already know it needs sorting.

The longer it sits, the worse it gets. Get in touch and we will agree a date with you. If it is urgent, say so when you call.