Damp and mould can affect your health, belongings and enjoyment of your rented home. In Wales, tenants with occupation contracts have rights to report problems, ask for repairs and expect their home to meet legal fitness standards. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and related regulations place important duties on landlords, although the cause of the problem may need investigation. This guide explains how to report damp and mould, what evidence to keep, when a local authority or tribunal may help, and how to respond if repairs are delayed. Whether you are a private renter or live in social housing, taking prompt, clear action can help protect your health and strengthen your position in a housing dispute.
Understanding your rights in Wales
Most Welsh renters occupy homes under an occupation contract rather than an assured shorthold tenancy. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 requires landlords to keep the dwelling in repair and fit for human habitation in the circumstances set out by the law.[1] Damp and mould may indicate problems such as leaks, defective ventilation, penetrating damp, condensation or inadequate heating. A landlord should investigate the cause rather than simply paint over visible mould.
The fitness standard is supported by the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022.[2] These regulations address matters including damp, mould, excess cold, water supply, sanitation and hazards. Your landlord may not be responsible for every cause, especially where tenant behaviour is alleged to have contributed, but they should assess the condition fairly and explain what action is needed.
How to report damp and mould
Report the problem as soon as you notice it, preferably in writing through the method stated in your occupation contract. Describe each affected room, when the issue began, any leaks or odours, and whether anyone in the household has health concerns. Ask for an inspection and a written repair plan.
- Send a written repair notice that identifies the address, the affected areas and the action you are requesting.
- Keep dated photographs, videos, messages, inspection notes and receipts for damaged belongings.
- Record when you reported the issue, appointments offered and whether contractors attended.
- Allow reasonable access for inspection and repairs, while asking for suitable notice and appointment details.
What to include in your report
A useful report states the date, location and severity of the damp or mould, whether it is spreading, and any related defect such as a broken extractor fan, leaking roof or failed heating. Explain any immediate safety or health concern without exaggerating it. If the landlord or agent uses a repairs portal, save a screenshot or confirmation email after submitting the report.
Do not stop paying rent simply because repairs are outstanding. Rent arrears can create a separate legal problem. Instead, ask for advice before making any deduction, withholding payment or paying for major work yourself.
If repairs are delayed or refused
Send a calm follow-up referring to your original report and asking for a response by a reasonable date. If the issue presents a serious hazard, contact your local council's environmental health or housing standards team and ask whether it can inspect the property. Councils may investigate hazards and use enforcement powers where legal conditions are not met.
If you rent from a housing association or council, use its formal complaints procedure as well as the repairs route. Keep the complaint focused on the condition of the home, the dates reported and the remedy sought. If you are threatened with eviction, experience harassment or receive a legal notice, obtain urgent housing advice because different deadlines may apply.
Evidence and practical protection
Good records can show what happened and whether the landlord had a reasonable opportunity to act. Take wide and close photographs with dates, keep copies of medical or prescription information if relevant, and note how the problem affects rooms and belongings. Avoid removing all mould before an inspection if doing so would destroy useful evidence, but follow sensible health guidance and clean safely where appropriate.
- Keep a dated log of symptoms, visible growth, leaks, temperature concerns and communications.
- Keep receipts for reasonable cleaning, replacement or temporary accommodation costs and do not assume every loss is recoverable.
- Discuss access in advance and keep records if an appointment is missed or entry is attempted without proper arrangements.
- Report any threatening or retaliatory conduct to the appropriate council or advice service and preserve the messages.
Tribunal and legal routes
The official tribunal for residential property disputes in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. It may deal with particular applications under housing legislation, but it is not a general emergency repairs service and its jurisdiction depends on the dispute. Read the tribunal guidance before applying.[3]
There is no single national tenant form for reporting damp and mould. Your first report is usually a written repair request to the landlord or agent, followed where appropriate by a council complaint or inspection request. For a tribunal case, use the Residential Property Tribunal Wales application form and follow its filing instructions. For example, a tenant who has reported persistent mould, allowed inspections and retained the repair history could use the application process if the specific dispute falls within the tribunal's powers.
The Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 remain important legislation in England and Wales for certain tenancy and possession matters, particularly older or different tenancy arrangements.[4][5] They do not replace the Welsh occupation-contract rules that usually apply to modern Welsh renting. Get advice before relying on a remedy or bringing a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I report damp and mould by text message?
- You can use text if it is an accepted contact method, but keep a copy and follow up by email or another written method that clearly records the problem and date.
- Can my landlord charge me for mould treatment?
- It depends on the cause and the terms of your occupation contract; the landlord should investigate whether a building defect or failure to maintain the home caused the problem before deciding who is responsible.
- What if damp and mould affect my health?
- Seek appropriate medical advice, tell the landlord about the concern, and ask the council whether it can assess housing hazards if the issue is serious or repairs are not addressed.
- Can I take a damp dispute to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales?
- Possibly, but the tribunal only handles matters within its legal jurisdiction, so check its current guidance and application requirements before filing.
How-To
- Photograph and describe the damp or mould, including the rooms affected and any related defect.
- Send a written repair report to the landlord or agent and keep proof of delivery.
- Record inspections, appointments, replies and any missed deadlines in a dated log.
- Contact the local council or a housing advice service if the landlord does not respond or the risk is serious.
- Check the Residential Property Tribunal Wales guidance before using its application process for a dispute within its jurisdiction.
Help and Support / Resources
- Welsh Government: Renting Homes Wales
- Residential Property Tribunal Wales
- Welsh Government: Housing health and safety
