For landlords
Social landlords need processes for receiving reports, assessing risk, arranging urgent inspections or repairs, and recording clear communication with tenants.
LEARN
Regulatory & Compliance Framework
Expert building consultancy services combining comprehensive property assessments, technical expertise, and practical guidance, with a commitment to compliance with current UK building standards.
This information is provided as general guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice. Requirements may vary depending on the property, tenancy, location and specific circumstances.
Reference framework
Standards and Guidance Referenced in Our Inspections
Each reference now has its own section with separate notes for landlords, tenants and property condition. The summaries are based on GOV.UK guidance and are general information, not legal advice.
Housing Safety
Awaab’s Law principles
Awaab’s Law currently focuses on social rented housing, with duties to address significant damp and mould hazards within fixed timescales and emergency hazards as soon as possible.
For tenants
Tenants should report damp, mould and emergency hazards promptly, keep copies of messages and photos, and use the complaints route if action is not taken.
For properties
The first phase is centred on significant damp and mould and emergency hazards, with wider HHSRS hazards expected to be brought in through the phased rollout.
Housing Law
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
The Homes Act requires rented homes to be fit for human habitation at the start of a tenancy and throughout, with courts considering matters such as serious damp, ventilation, water, drainage and hazards.
For landlords
Landlords should keep rented homes free from serious hazards and respond when conditions may make the dwelling unsuitable for occupation.
For tenants
Where a rented home is not fit for human habitation, tenants may be able to ask the court to order works and award compensation.
For properties
Relevant property conditions include serious damp, inadequate ventilation, unsafe layout, instability, insufficient water or drainage, and other health and safety hazards.
Housing Assessment
Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
HHSRS is the statutory assessment tool used to identify and assess health and safety risks in homes. It supports evidence-based decisions about whether action is needed.
For landlords
Landlords do not need to be trained assessors, but should understand serious hazards, keep homes well managed, and address repair and maintenance issues promptly.
For tenants
Tenants should raise repair or safety concerns in writing, provide useful evidence where possible, and contact the local council if serious issues remain unresolved.
For properties
An assessment looks beyond one complaint and considers the whole property, including defects in design, layout, repair or maintenance that could create hazards.
Housing Law
Landlord & Tenant Act 1985
GOV.UK’s repairs guidance explains landlord responsibilities for the structure and exterior of a rented home and key installations such as sanitation, heating, hot water, gas and electrical wiring.
For landlords
Landlords are responsible for core repairs to the building, services and installations, and should tell tenants when repairs are expected to be completed.
For tenants
Tenants should contact the landlord when the property needs repair or has mould, and should not be forced to carry out repairs that are the landlord’s responsibility.
For properties
Relevant defects include issues with the structure, exterior, drains, gutters, pipes, heating, hot water, sanitary fittings, gas appliances and electrical wiring.
Retrofit Standard
PAS 2035 Retrofit Standards
For retrofit-related decisions, GOV.UK safe-home guidance is especially relevant to heating, insulation, EPC information, ventilation, damp and mould risk.
For landlords
Energy improvements should be considered alongside the duty to provide adequate heating, meet minimum EPC requirements where applicable, and tackle dampness and ventilation issues.
For tenants
Tenants can use EPC recommendations and visible condition issues, such as cold rooms, damp patches or condensation, to frame practical questions for the landlord.
For properties
Retrofit choices can affect the balance between insulation, heating, ventilation and moisture movement, so fabric defects and air flow should be reviewed together.
Building Standard
BS 5250: Management of Moisture in Buildings
GOV.UK identifies damp and mould as potential hazards that can affect health, building fabric and belongings, and highlights ventilation, insulation, heating and external repair as relevant factors.
For landlords
Landlords should tackle dampness, including structural or external repairs where needed, and make sure the property is properly ventilated.
For tenants
Tenants should look for damp patches, mould, peeling wallpaper and window condensation, and report concerns with clear records.
For properties
Moisture assessment should consider leaks, gutters, external fabric, insulation, heating, ventilation, condensation patterns and occupant health risk together.
Housing Standard
Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard applies to the social rented sector and is used to define and guide implementation of minimum housing condition expectations.
For landlords
Social landlords should manage homes so they meet the standard, including being free from Category 1 hazards and kept in a reasonable state of repair.
For tenants
Social tenants can use the standard as a reference point when raising concerns about serious hazards, disrepair, heating or unsuitable facilities.
For properties
The standard links condition, repair, facilities, heating and insulation, helping assess whether a home is safe, warm and suitable for occupation.
Housing Guidance
Housing Ombudsman Damp & Mould Guidance
GOV.UK tenant guidance signposts social tenants to complaints routes and the Housing Ombudsman where concerns have been reported but remain unresolved.
For landlords
Social landlords should treat damp, mould and disrepair complaints as condition and safety issues, respond promptly, and maintain clear complaint records.
For tenants
Tenants who have already reported a problem and are dissatisfied with the response can use the relevant complaints process, including the Housing Ombudsman for social housing.
For properties
Complaint evidence should connect reported symptoms, visible defects, repair history, access attempts and whether the home meets expected safety and repair standards.
Inspection approach
How We Support You
We support landlords, tenants and property owners with clear, evidence-based damp and mould assessments that help clarify responsibilities, safety concerns and practical next steps for maintaining a healthy home.
How We Support You
- For Landlords by helping them meet their legal responsibilities and protect their investment.
- For Tenants by ensuring they have the right to live in a safe, healthy home.
- For Properties by encouraging regular maintenance and preserving their long-term condition and value.
Learn
Understanding damp.
A short guide to the symptoms, risks and moments when professional diagnosis replaces guesswork.
01
What is damp?
Damp is the presence of moisture in the structure of a building — appearing as wet patches, staining, or mould growth. There are three main types: rising damp (moisture moving up from the ground), penetrating damp (water entering through walls or roof), and condensation (indoor moisture settling on cold surfaces).
02
Why it matters.
Untreated damp causes serious structural damage — timber decay, plaster deterioration, weakened brickwork — and significant health risks. Damp environments encourage mould growth, which triggers respiratory problems, allergies and asthma. Early professional diagnosis can protect health and property.
03
When you need a survey.
Book a survey if you notice musty smells, visible mould, peeling wallpaper, tide marks on walls, or persistent condensation. It's also essential before purchasing a property, after a flood, or when troubleshooting unexplained cold spots. A professional survey replaces guesswork with certainty.
Self-help guide
Tackle damp & mould yourself.
Practical steps you can take at home — guidance you can trust before getting in touch with us.
Prevention
Quick checks at home
Simple measures that help stop damp and mould before they start.
Fix leaks early — check roofs, pipes, and gutters regularly
Maintain good airflow — open windows where practicable
Avoid moisture build-up — try not to dry clothes indoors without proper ventilation
Recommended minimum indoor temperature is 18°C, especially during winter, to protect your health.
Wipe condensation from windows and cold surfaces
Allow a 2.5–8 cm gap between furniture and walls to improve airflow
Action
If you spot mould
Treat affected areas safely to prevent it spreading further.
Clean affected surfaces, where appropriate, with a suitable fungicidal product in line with UK guidance
Avoid brushing or vacuuming dry mould, as this can spread spores
Arrange washing or cleaning of affected fabrics and carpets where appropriate
Consider applying anti-mould paint after treatment to help reduce the risk of recurrence
Warning signs
What to look out for
Early indicators worth a closer inspection.
Damp patches or peeling paint on walls
Musty smell or visible black mould
Tide marks or salt deposits on walls
Discolouration on surfaces
Still unsure?
Get a professional opinion with a full damp & mould survey from our accredited surveyors.
Next step
Need clarity on a damp, mould or building-condition concern?
Arrange an independent inspection and receive clear, evidence-based findings with practical next steps.