Visible Mould Growth
Black, green, grey or white patches on walls, ceilings, window frames or behind furniture. Mould usually comes back if the moisture causing it is not fixed.
- Colour alone does not tell you how harmful a mould is — report any indoor mould
- Often appears in corners, behind furniture, or in bathrooms
- May have a musty, damp smell
- Wiping it away without fixing the cause rarely solves the problem
Condensation on Windows
Excessive moisture on windows, especially in the morning. It can point to poor ventilation, cold surfaces or inadequate heating or insulation.
- Water pooling on window sills
- Visible water droplets on glass daily
- Can lead to mould growth on window frames
- Often worse in bedrooms and bathrooms
Peeling or Bubbling Paint
Paint that's bubbling, cracking, or peeling away from walls indicates moisture penetrating the surface.
- Paint may feel soft or spongy to touch
- Wallpaper may bubble or peel at edges
- Often a sign of penetrating or rising damp
- Indicates ongoing moisture problem behind the surface
Musty or Damp Smell
A persistent musty, earthy smell that doesn't go away. This is often the first sign of hidden mould.
- Smell may be stronger in certain rooms
- Often noticeable when entering the property
- Can indicate mould behind walls or under floors
- May worsen in humid weather
Cold Spots and Damp Patches
Areas of walls that feel cold or damp to touch, often with visible discolouration.
- Cold walls can cause condensation
- May indicate poor insulation or thermal bridging
- Damp patches may feel wet or cold
- Often found on external walls
Increased Pests
Silverfish, woodlice, and other moisture-loving insects are attracted to damp environments.
- Silverfish are common in damp bathrooms
- Woodlice can indicate high moisture levels
- May also attract mice looking for water
- Pests alone do not prove damp, but are worth reporting alongside other signs
Health Symptoms
Breathing problems, allergies or worsening asthma can be linked to damp and mould exposure. Speak to your GP if you are worried.
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Allergic reactions (sneezing, itchy eyes)
- Worsening asthma symptoms
- Symptoms improve when away from home
Is It Condensation, Penetrating Damp or Rising Damp?
The cause matters because it affects what needs fixing and who is responsible. Condensation forms when moist air meets cold surfaces; penetrating damp comes from water getting in through roofs, walls, windows or pipes; rising damp comes up from the ground through walls or floors.
A landlord cannot assume mould is a "lifestyle" problem. Cold walls, poor insulation, broken extractor fans, inadequate heating and leaks can all cause or worsen condensation. See our guides to condensation and landlord responsibility, rising damp and inadequate ventilation.
How Quickly Must My Landlord Respond to Damp and Mould?
If you rent from a council or housing association in England, Awaab's Law sets fixed timeframes. A potential significant damp and mould hazard must be investigated within 10 working days, and a confirmed hazard made safe within 5 working days after the investigation. An emergency hazard must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours. You should also receive a written summary of the investigation.
Private landlords are not currently covered by Awaab's Law, but they must still carry out repairs within a reasonable time and keep the home fit to live in. Read Awaab's Law explained.
What To Do If You Spot These Signs
Document everything
Take photos and videos with dates before cleaning where it is safe to do so. Keep a log of when issues appeared.
Report to your landlord
Put it in writing (email or letter), ask for an inspection, and keep copies of all correspondence.
See your doctor
If anyone in your home has health symptoms, get medical advice and keep records.
Escalate if nothing happens
Make a formal complaint and, for social housing, consider the Housing Ombudsman. You can also ask us for a free assessment.
Our guide to reporting disrepair includes template wording.
Spotted These Warning Signs?
If you have reported damp or mould and your landlord has not dealt with it, get a free assessment of whether we can help you get repairs and compensation.
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