Every tenant in Wales has the right to a safe, habitable home. If you find damp or mould in your rented property, this guide explains clear legal steps you can take as a renter to get repairs, protect your health and document the issue. It covers how to notify your landlord in writing, what evidence to collect, when to contact your local authority's environmental health service, and how to apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if necessary. The advice uses official sources and explains any forms or notices you may encounter, with practical examples so you can act confidently without legal jargon. Keep records, follow deadlines, and seek help early.
What to do first
Start by telling your landlord about the problem in writing and set a reasonable timeframe for action. If the issue affects health or safety, say so and ask for an urgent repair. Keep copies of every message.
- Contact your landlord in writing, describe the damp or mould and ask for a repair within a clear timescale.
- Collect dated photos, short videos and a simple log describing when and where the damp appears as evidence.
- Send a formal repair request (letter or email) that states the problem, the risk and any costs you have paid for temporary fixes.
- Keep copies of receipts, GP notes and any correspondence; these records support complaints or tribunal applications.
Official complaints and forms
The principal legal framework for private rented homes in England and Wales includes the Housing Act 1988; tenants can rely on these rules when landlords fail to repair.[1] Local authorities enforce standards under the Housing Act 2004 and can issue improvement notices for hazards such as damp.
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — official application form. Use this when a landlord refuses reasonable repairs and you seek an order or compensation; for example, apply after you have written requests and a council hazard notice.
- No single national repair form is required to notify a landlord; a dated written complaint or email functions as the initial request and helps prove you asked for repairs.
When to escalate
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if the landlord does not act after reasonable requests and any council action has been ineffective.
- If the damp is causing immediate health risks, stress the urgency and ask your council to prioritise an inspection within days.
Key Takeaways
- Act promptly and set clear timescales when you ask for repairs.
- Document everything: photos, messages and receipts are crucial evidence.
- Use the First-tier Tribunal if informal steps fail and you have supporting records.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for repairing damp and mould?
- The landlord is usually responsible for structural repairs and ensuring the property is habitable; report issues in writing and contact the council if the landlord fails to act.
- How long should I wait for a repair?
- It depends on seriousness: urgent hazards deserve immediate action, while routine repairs should be fixed within a reasonable time after written notice.
- Can I withhold rent if the landlord won’t fix the problem?
- Withholding rent can be risky. Seek advice and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal rather than stopping payments without legal guidance.
How-To
- Write to your landlord describing the damp or mould, include dates and ask for a repair within a clear timeframe.
- Gather evidence: take dated photos, keep a symptom log and save any related medical notes or receipts.
- Submit a formal complaint to your local authority's environmental health if the landlord does not act, asking for an inspection.
- If the problem remains, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with your written requests, council evidence and all records.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - apply and find forms
- Welsh Government housing information and guidance
- Public Health Wales - health advice and housing hazards
