Most private tenants suffer damp and mould in their homes

Most private tenants suffer damp and mould in their homes

New research reveals over half of private renters in the UK have experienced damp or mould in the past year, highlighting ongoing challenges despite recent legislation targeting social housing.

More than half of private renters in the UK have reported damp or mould issues in their homes during the past 12 months, according to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Safeguard Europe. The research, conducted in mid-October 2026, surveyed over 2,100 UK adults and provides one of the most current insights into the prevalence of these problems in British housing.

This data emerges a year after Awaab’s Law came into force in England, which mandates social landlords to investigate and remedy damp and mould hazards within strict deadlines. However, the new findings suggest that private renters—who are not yet covered by this legislation—face even higher rates of damp and mould problems than social tenants.

Damp and mould prevalence by tenure type

The YouGov survey found that 54% of private renters have experienced damp or mould in the past year, with 41% currently living with these issues. Council tenants reported similarly high figures, with 53% affected in the past year and 43% currently experiencing damp or mould. Housing association tenants and homeowners reported lower rates, at 41% and 42% respectively for the past year, though the problem remains significant across all groups.

Serious mould, defined as widespread damp or mould, was reported by 10% of private renters and 13% of council tenants, compared with just 4% of homeowners who own their property outright. The survey also highlighted that nearly six in ten UK adults struggle to heat their homes adequately in colder months due to cost, with 42% of council tenants stating this is a significant issue.

Disputes with landlords over damp and mould repairs are a notable concern for private renters, with one in seven citing this as their biggest worry related to housing conditions.

Official data and legislative context

The government’s English Housing Survey 2024-25 recorded damp problems in 5% of homes in England, but this figure only includes damp considered serious enough to pose a health and safety hazard by surveyors on the day of inspection. Minor or seasonal damp issues are not captured in this official figure. When households self-report, 30% indicated problems with condensation, damp, or mould, including 46% of private renters and 41% of social renters—figures consistent with the YouGov findings.

Awaab’s Law, named after a toddler who died from prolonged exposure to mould in social housing, came into effect in October 2025. It requires social landlords in England to investigate potential hazards within 10 working days and complete significant repairs within five working days. Emergency hazards must be addressed within 24 hours, with alternative accommodation provided if repairs cannot be completed promptly.

The next phase of Awaab’s Law, commencing soon, will broaden the scope to include hazards such as excess cold, fire risks, and electrical faults. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 grants the government powers to extend similar protections to private tenants, but no implementation date has been announced.

Implications for private landlords and letting agents

Private landlords face increasing scrutiny as damp and mould problems remain widespread in their properties. While social landlords are now legally required to act swiftly under Awaab’s Law, private landlords currently lack equivalent statutory deadlines. This discrepancy may lead to heightened tenant dissatisfaction and disputes, especially given the survey’s indication that many private renters fear conflict over repairs.

Landlords and agents should be aware that the government has powers to extend these obligations to the private rented sector, and early preparation could mitigate risks. Ensuring properties are inspected regularly for damp and mould, addressing issues promptly, and maintaining clear communication with tenants will be increasingly important.

Additionally, the high number of tenants struggling to heat their homes points to a broader issue of energy efficiency and affordability. Landlords may need to consider investing in improvements that reduce condensation and damp risks, such as better ventilation and insulation, alongside compliance with evolving safety standards.

Challenges and uncertainties ahead

The extension of Awaab’s Law to private landlords remains uncertain in timing and scope. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 provides the legal framework, but without a clear commencement date, landlords must monitor developments closely. The broadening of hazard categories to include cold and electrical faults also signals that compliance will become more complex, requiring landlords to maintain comprehensive property safety records.

There is also the challenge of balancing repair costs with rental income, especially in light of rising energy prices and the need for property upgrades. Small portfolio landlords may find these demands particularly difficult without clear guidance or financial support.

Steps landlords should take now

• Conduct thorough inspections for damp and mould, particularly at tenancy start and during routine checks.
• Document any issues and repair actions carefully to demonstrate compliance and responsiveness.
• Engage proactively with tenants to address concerns before they escalate into disputes.
• Review property ventilation, insulation, and heating systems to reduce condensation and damp risks.
• Stay informed about forthcoming regulatory changes, including potential extensions of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector.

Supporting landlords with compliance and management

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that provides access to practical compliance resources and guidance tailored to the evolving regulatory environment. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise property records, manage rental documentation, and keep track of repairs and inspections. Features relevant to damp and mould management include recording maintenance actions and communications with tenants, which can support evidence of compliance and responsiveness.

Members can explore TLA’s compliance resources and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to prepare for upcoming changes and maintain effective property management practices.

Landlords should regularly review their portfolios and tenancy procedures to ensure they are ready for stricter enforcement and expanded safety obligations.

Sources: Letting Agent Today, English Housing Survey 2024-25