Damp & Mould Claims

Damp & Mould Claims Manchester

Damp and mould in rented housing is not just unpleasant — it is a serious health hazard. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), damp and mould growth is classified as a Category 1 hazard, the most serious category. If your landlord has been told about the problem and has failed to act, you have legal rights.

We are SRA-regulated Manchester solicitors who specialise in housing disrepair. We help council tenants, housing association tenants and private tenants across Greater Manchester force landlords to carry out repairs and claim the compensation they are entitled to. No Win, No Fee.

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Recognise the signs

Signs of Damp & Mould in Your Home

If you are experiencing any of the following in your rented home, your landlord may be in breach of their legal obligations.

  • Black mould on walls, ceilings or window frames
  • Persistent musty or damp smell
  • Peeling or bubbling wallpaper and paint
  • Condensation that won't clear from windows
  • Wet patches or tide marks on walls
  • Discolouration or staining on ceilings
  • Warped or rotting window frames and skirting boards
  • Worsening respiratory symptoms (asthma, chest infections)
Your legal rights

Your Landlord's Legal Obligations

Several pieces of UK legislation protect tenants living with damp and mould. Your landlord cannot simply ignore the problem.

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Section 11 places a statutory obligation on landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair. This includes the roof, walls, guttering, windows, drains and external pipework. Where structural defects are causing damp, the landlord is legally required to carry out repairs once notified.

HHSRS — Category 1 Hazard

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by local authorities to assess housing conditions. Damp and mould growth is classified as a Category 1 hazard — the most serious category — meaning it poses a serious risk to the health and safety of occupants. Local authorities have a duty to take enforcement action when Category 1 hazards are identified.

Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

This Act requires landlords to ensure that their properties are fit for human habitation at the start of the tenancy and throughout. It gives tenants the right to take their landlord to court directly if the property is unfit, without needing to go through the local authority first. Damp and mould that renders a home unfit is a clear breach.

Awaab's Law

Awaab's Law, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, came into force on 1 October 2025. Named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his housing association home in Rochdale, it sets strict legal timescales for social landlords:

  • Investigate within 14 calendar days of being notified of a hazard
  • Begin repairs within 7 calendar days of completing the investigation
  • Complete emergency repairs within 24 hours

If your social landlord has failed to meet these timescales, it significantly strengthens your claim.

How it works

How We Handle Your Damp & Mould Claim

From your first free call to getting your home repaired and compensation in your account.

Your Claim Journey

4 STEPS · NO UPFRONT COST
  1. 01
    Report

    Tell us about the disrepair in a 2-minute form or by phone.

  2. 02
    Free Inspection

    An independent surveyor inspects your home at no cost to you.

  3. 03
    We Notify Your Landlord

    We formally serve notice and demand repairs and compensation.

  4. 04
    Repairs & Compensation

    Your home is fixed and you receive the compensation you're owed.

Compensation explained

Compensation for Damp & Mould

If your landlord has failed to deal with damp and mould after being notified, you may be entitled to compensation. The court considers several factors when determining the amount.

General damages

Compensation for the inconvenience, discomfort and loss of enjoyment of your home. This also covers any health problems caused or worsened by living with damp and mould, such as asthma, respiratory infections or allergic reactions. The longer the problem has persisted and the more severe the impact, the higher the award.

Special damages

Compensation for specific financial losses you can evidence. This includes belongings damaged or destroyed by damp and mould — clothing, furniture, bedding, curtains, electronics — as well as any additional costs you have incurred, such as increased heating bills or the cost of temporary dehumidifiers.

Every case is different and we cannot guarantee a specific figure. The courts consider the severity of the disrepair, how long it has been ongoing after being reported, and the impact on your health and daily life. We assess your individual circumstances and pursue the maximum compensation available.

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FAQs

Damp & Mould Claim Questions, Answered

Common questions from Manchester tenants dealing with damp and mould in their homes.

Is my landlord responsible for damp and mould?+
In most cases, yes. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord is legally obligated to keep the structure and exterior of your home in good repair. This includes dealing with issues that cause damp, such as leaking roofs, defective guttering, failed damp-proof courses and inadequate ventilation. If structural defects or a failure to maintain the property are causing or contributing to damp and mould, your landlord is responsible for fixing it. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 further strengthens your rights by requiring that your home is fit to live in throughout the tenancy.
What is Awaab's Law and how does it help my claim?+
Awaab's Law, formally part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, came into force on 1 October 2025. It was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family's housing association home in Rochdale. The law requires social landlords to investigate hazards like damp and mould within 14 calendar days of being notified, begin repair work within 7 calendar days of completing the investigation, and complete emergency repairs within 24 hours. If your social landlord has failed to meet these timescales, it significantly strengthens your claim for compensation.
Can I claim if I've been told the mould is caused by condensation?+
Yes. Landlords frequently blame tenants for condensation-related mould, claiming it is caused by lifestyle factors such as drying clothes indoors or not opening windows. While lifestyle can contribute, the root cause is very often structural: inadequate ventilation, poor insulation, single glazing, or defective heating systems. An independent surveyor can determine whether the damp and mould is caused by structural issues your landlord should have addressed. We arrange a free, independent survey of your home to establish the true cause.
How long does a damp and mould claim take?+
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the disrepair, and how cooperative the landlord is. Straightforward claims where the landlord accepts responsibility can settle within a few months. More complex cases, or those where the landlord disputes liability, may take longer. If court proceedings are necessary, the claim could take twelve months or more. We keep you updated at every stage and aim to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while securing the best outcome.
What evidence do I need for a damp and mould claim?+
Useful evidence includes photographs and videos of the damp and mould in your home, copies of any letters, emails or messages you have sent to your landlord reporting the problem, records from your GP if the damp has affected your health, and receipts for any belongings damaged by the damp or mould. Do not worry if you do not have everything listed here. We can work with what you have, and we arrange a professional independent survey of your property at no cost to you. The most important thing is that you reported the problem to your landlord and they failed to act within a reasonable time.
Other housing issues

We Handle All Types of Housing Disrepair

Damp and mould is just one of the housing disrepair issues we help Manchester tenants with.

Leaks & Water Damage
Persistent leaks from roofs, pipes or plumbing that damage your home and belongings.
Pest Infestation
Rats, mice, cockroaches or bedbugs entering through structural defects your landlord ignores.
Structural Damage
Cracks, subsidence, sagging floors, unsafe stairs or crumbling brickwork left unrepaired.
Heating & Boiler
Broken boilers, cold radiators, or no hot water for weeks, a landlord repair obligation.
Electrical Issues
Faulty wiring, dead sockets, unsafe fuse boards or exposed cables putting your home at risk.
Areas We Cover

Damp & Mould Claims Across Greater Manchester

We handle damp and mould disrepair claims for tenants in every Greater Manchester borough.

ManchesterOldhamSalfordBoltonBuryRochdaleStockportTamesideTraffordWigan
Free, no obligation

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