Mould and Damp in Rented Properties: A Tenant's Guide

Mould is one of the most contested issues at checkout — landlords blame tenants for not ventilating, tenants blame landlords for damp. Here's how to handle it.

What causes mould

Mould needs moisture and a surface to grow on. In rentals the usual causes are condensation from cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors without ventilation, a leak, or a structural damp problem. Most mould in rentals is condensation mould — and it's preventable.

What you can do

• Open windows or use extractor fans when cooking and showering
• Don't dry clothes on radiators indoors
• Wipe condensation off windows each morning
• Keep furniture slightly away from external walls so air can circulate
• Use a mould treatment on any early patches before they spread

When it's the landlord's responsibility

If the mould is caused by a leak, rising damp, penetrating damp, or a structural issue like poor insulation or a broken extractor fan, that's the landlord's responsibility to fix — not yours to pay for at checkout. Report it in writing and keep evidence.

At checkout

If mould has taken hold, a professional clean with the right treatment will remove surface mould and staining, but it won't fix the underlying cause. Document any pre-existing damp with photos from your inventory, and report ongoing issues in writing during the tenancy — that paper trail is what protects your deposit.