Damp and Mould Health Risks — What Every Tenant Should Know

Damp and mould are not just cosmetic problems. Prolonged exposure to mould spores in a poorly maintained home can cause serious health conditions, particularly in children, older people, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems. If your landlord is not fixing damp and mould in your home, they are putting your health at risk.

How Damp and Mould Affect Your Health

Mould produces microscopic spores that become airborne. When you breathe these in, they can irritate your airways and trigger immune responses. The NHS and the World Health Organisation both recognise that living in damp, mouldy housing increases the risk of respiratory illness.

The health effects of damp and mould include:

• Respiratory infections — repeated chest infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia, especially in children
• Asthma — mould is a known trigger for asthma attacks and can cause new-onset asthma in people who were previously unaffected
• Allergic rhinitis — persistent runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion
• Skin conditions — eczema flare-ups and other dermatitis linked to mould exposure
• Eye irritation — red, itchy, or watering eyes
• Mental health impact — anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption caused by living in poor conditions and the stress of an unresponsive landlord

Who Is Most at Risk?

While damp and mould can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable:

• Children and babies — their lungs are still developing, making them more susceptible to respiratory damage from mould exposure
• Older people — reduced immune function increases the risk of respiratory infection
• People with asthma or COPD — existing respiratory conditions are worsened by mould spores
• People with weakened immune systems — including those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV

The Awaab Ishak Case

The death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in December 2020, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family's housing association flat, brought national attention to the health dangers of damp housing. The coroner found that Awaab died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in his home. His family had repeatedly reported the mould to their housing association, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, without adequate action being taken.

This case led directly to "Awaab's Law" — legal amendments requiring social landlords in England to investigate and address damp and mould within fixed timeframes.

Your Landlord's Legal Duty

Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, your landlord must ensure your home is free from hazards including damp and mould. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, they must keep the structure, exterior, and heating systems in repair — failures in any of these can cause damp.

If your landlord knows about damp and mould in your home and has not taken effective action to fix it, they are in breach of their legal obligations.

What You Should Do

1. See your GP if you or your family are experiencing any of the health symptoms described above. Ask them to note in your records that you are living with damp and mould.
2. Report the problem in writing to your landlord with photographs and a description of all affected areas.
3. Keep a record of all communications with your landlord, including dates of reports and any responses.
4. Contact a solicitor if your landlord has not fixed the problem within a reasonable time. You may be entitled to compensation for the health effects as well as the disrepair itself.

Can I Claim Compensation for Health Problems?

Yes. If damp and mould in your home has caused or worsened a health condition, your housing disrepair claim can include a personal injury element. Your solicitor will arrange for a medical expert to examine you and prepare a report linking your health problems to the conditions in your home. This evidence supports an additional compensation award on top of the general and special damages in your disrepair claim.

At Manchester Disrepair Claims, we handle all cases on a No Win No Fee basis. If damp and mould in your home is affecting your health, start your claim or read more about damp and mould claims.