Recent research highlights the significant impact of damp and mould problems on tenants’ mental health, with many private renters and social housing tenants experiencing anxiety and depression when these issues remain unresolved. This is a critical concern for landlords, as addressing damp and mould promptly not only protects tenants’ well-being but also helps maintain property standards and compliance.

The Link Between Damp, Mould and Tenant Mental Health

The Centre for Ageing Better has published findings indicating that unresolved damp and mould in rented homes is contributing to poor mental health among tenants. According to a survey conducted by Censuswide and commissioned by Health Equals, nearly three in ten (29%) respondents living in private rented or social housing who had experienced condensation, damp, or mould reported that their landlord had not resolved the issue. Conversely, a third (33%) confirmed their landlord had successfully addressed the problem.

More notably, over 40% of those living in such homes with household members experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression linked to cold, condensation, damp, or mould said their landlord had failed to resolve these issues. This underscores the importance of landlords taking timely action to prevent the deterioration of tenants’ mental and physical health.

Causes of Damp and Mould in Rental Properties

The organisation identifies several factors contributing to damp and mould, including inadequate heating, poor insulation, substandard building quality, delayed repairs, and insufficient ventilation. For landlords, this highlights the need for regular property maintenance and investment in energy efficiency measures to reduce the risk of damp-related problems.

Ensuring that heating systems are effective, insulation is up to standard, and ventilation is adequate can prevent the conditions that allow mould to develop. Promptly addressing repair requests related to damp is essential to maintain a healthy living environment and avoid potential legal and reputational risks.

Implications for Landlords and Property Managers

Landlords have a vital role in safeguarding tenants’ health by managing damp and mould issues effectively. Failure to do so not only affects tenants’ mental well-being but can also lead to breaches of housing standards and potential enforcement action. The research emphasises that poor-quality homes disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

While the English Housing Survey reports that a majority of private renters (77%) feel safe and secure in their homes, and 65% say their landlord responds promptly to maintenance issues, the ongoing presence of unresolved damp and mould remains a concern. Landlords should therefore prioritise inspections and maintenance to uphold property standards and tenant satisfaction.

Energy Costs and Housing Quality Concerns

The study also reveals widespread concern about energy bills, with 57% of outright homeowners worried, rising to 74% among social tenants and 76% among private renters. Low-income households are particularly affected, with 25% unable to comfortably heat their living rooms during cold weather, compared to just 6% of high-income households.

Additionally, 21% of low-income households live in homes with condensation, damp, or mould, compared to 12% in higher-income groups. These figures highlight the intersection between poor housing conditions, energy affordability, and tenant health, emphasising the need for landlords to consider energy efficiency improvements as part of property management.

Calls for Policy Change and Earlier Standards Implementation

The Centre for Ageing Better is advocating for the implementation date of the Decent Homes Standard, currently set for 2035, to be brought forward. They argue that tenants should not have to endure health-damaging living conditions for another decade. The organisation also calls on the government to introduce a Warm Homes Plan targeting the poorest quality housing stock and supporting those most in need.

For landlords, these potential policy changes may result in stricter requirements and earlier deadlines for property improvements. Staying informed and preparing for these developments will be essential to ensure compliance and protect tenant welfare.

Looking Ahead: Support for Landlords and Tenants

In response to the challenges faced by landlords and tenants, The Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026. This platform will feature verified and approved service providers to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers are invited to register their interest to become part of this initiative.

This development aims to facilitate access to reliable services, helping landlords manage properties effectively and address issues such as damp and mould promptly, ultimately benefiting tenant health and property standards.