Your landlord
Responsible for the structure and exterior, including roofs, walls, gutters, windows and drains, and for fixing things like leaks, broken extractor fans and serious damp and mould hazards.
FOR TENANTS IN CUMBRIA
DAMP IN A RENTED
HOME IN CUMBRIA?
Damp and mould in a home you rent is stressful, especially with children or health problems. Here’s how to report it properly and get it dealt with.
Arrange a free surveyWho does
what.
Damp in rented homes has many causes, and some come down to how the building is ventilated, insulated and maintained. Day-to-day habits matter too, but they’re rarely the whole story.
You
Report problems promptly, give reasonable access for inspections and repairs, and use the ventilation and heating sensibly.
Your council
In Cumbria, private renting is overseen by Cumberland Council (covering Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland) or Westmorland and Furness Council (covering Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow). Their housing teams can inspect and require repairs.
Getting it
sorted.
What to do
- Report it in writing, by email or letter, and keep a copy
- Take dated photos of the damp and mould
- Say if anyone in the home is vulnerable, such as young children or someone with a breathing condition
- Let the landlord or their contractor in to inspect and repair
- Keep using extractor fans and trickle vents in the meantime
What to avoid
- stopping your rent payments, which can put your tenancy at risk
- painting over mould without reporting it
- blocking vents or switching off extractor fans
- drying lots of washing on radiators if you can avoid it
- losing track of what you reported and when
If it’s
not fixed.
Chase it in writing
Follow up your report, referring to the date you first reported it and what has happened since.
Contact the council
If your landlord doesn’t act, the private housing team at your council can inspect and take action on serious hazards.
Get advice
Organisations such as Citizens Advice and Shelter can explain your options before you take any further steps.
Damp help
across north & west Cumbria.
Send your postcode to confirm availability, including nearby towns and villages.
Check availabilityCarlisle & the north
Carlisle, Brampton, Longtown, Wigton
West Cumbria & the coast
Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Aspatria, Egremont, Cleator Moor
Penrith & the northern Lakes
Penrith, Keswick, Cockermouth
Damp in a rented home
FAQs.
Is the mould my fault?
Not necessarily. Everyday living creates moisture, but whether it turns into mould often depends on ventilation, insulation, heating and repairs. Government guidance tells landlords not to assume damp and mould are caused by tenants’ lifestyles.
Can I withhold rent until it’s fixed?
Don’t stop paying rent without getting advice first, as it can put your tenancy at risk.
Who pays for damp repairs?
Your landlord is usually responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior and for fixing leaks and damp caused by them. GOV.UK explains landlords’ repair responsibilities.
What if I rent from a housing association?
Social landlords now have to investigate and fix damp and mould hazards within set timescales under Awaab’s Law. Report it to them in writing and follow their complaints process if needed.
Can Damp Guy come and look?
We carry out work for landlords and letting agents, so we need their agreement. Ask your landlord or agent to contact us, and we’ll arrange a visit with you directly.
What can I do in the meantime?
Clean small patches of mould with a suitable cleaner, run extractor fans, keep trickle vents open and wipe condensation from windows each morning.
YOUR HOME. A CLEARER WAY FORWARD.
BOOK YOUR FREE
SURVEY OR QUOTE.
Damp, ventilation or plastering. Tell us what you need and arrange a free, no-obligation survey or quotation.
