Black mould: health risks for tenants and what you can do

Direct answer

Black mould can harm your health. Official guidance links damp and mould in England to thousands of cases of asthma and respiratory infections each year, and the most severe cases can be dangerous. In a rented home, persistent black mould caused by disrepair is your landlord's responsibility to put right. Report it in writing, protect your health in the meantime, and see your doctor if you feel unwell.

Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum and other species) is the most commonly discussed type of mould found in homes and is often associated with damp and poor ventilation. Below, we look at the health risks linked to black mould and what tenants can do if it is present in their rented home. Damp affects around 4% of households in England, according to the English Housing Survey, so this is a problem many tenants face.

Key facts

• Official guidance from the UK Health Security Agency and the Department of Health and Social Care links damp and mould in homes in England to around 5,000 cases of asthma and 8,500 lower respiratory infections among children and adults. Health risks of damp and mould, GOV.UK
• The same official guidance states that damp and mould in the home can produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to health. Health risks of damp and mould, GOV.UK

What is black mould?

Black mould refers to several types of mould that appear dark green or black. It typically grows on walls, ceilings, and around windows where there is moisture, often caused by condensation, damp penetration, or leaks. It thrives in warm, humid environments and can spread quickly if the underlying moisture problem is not addressed.

Not all black-coloured mould is Stachybotrys, but all types of mould in a home should be taken seriously.

What are the health risks?

Mould releases tiny spores and other particles into the air. Breathing these in can cause or worsen a range of health problems, including:

• Respiratory conditions: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and worsening of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Allergic reactions: sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes
• Fungal infections: in people with weakened immune systems, mould spores can cause more serious infections
• Upper respiratory infections: particularly in children and older people
• Headaches and fatigue: some people report these symptoms in heavily mouldy environments

Children, older adults, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, and people with weakened immune systems are at particular risk.

Government guidance does not understate the danger. It warns that "the respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death," and names babies, children, older people, pregnant women, and those with breathing problems or weakened immune systems as most at risk.

Is black mould in my home my landlord's fault?

It depends on the cause. Mould can result from:

• Structural problems: if water is getting in through a leaky roof, poorly maintained gutters, rising damp, or failed rendering, this is the landlord's responsibility to fix under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
• Inadequate ventilation: if the property lacks adequate ventilation, for example, no extractor fan in the bathroom, or windows that cannot open properly, this may be the landlord's responsibility
• Lifestyle factors: heavy condensation from drying clothes indoors or cooking without adequate ventilation can contribute to mould, though landlords cannot use this as an excuse to avoid fixing underlying structural problems

In practice, mould in a rented home often involves both factors. If the underlying structure is sound and well-ventilated, the amount of condensation a normal household produces should not cause significant mould problems.

What should I do if I have black mould?

1. Report it to your landlord in writing as soon as you find it. Include photographs and the date.
2. Describe the extent and location of the mould, which rooms are affected and roughly how large an area.
3. Note any health symptoms you or your family are experiencing that you believe are connected to the mould.
4. Ask your landlord to inspect and identify the cause, not just treat the visible mould. Painting over mould or bleaching the surface without fixing the cause will not solve the problem long-term.

If the landlord does not respond, contact the council's environmental health team.

Can I claim compensation for health problems caused by mould?

If the mould was caused by a structural problem your landlord was responsible for fixing, and you or a member of your household suffered health problems as a result, you may have a housing disrepair claim. Medical evidence connecting your health problems to the housing conditions can strengthen your claim.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

If your rented home has black mould that your landlord has not properly fixed, and it is affecting your health or the health of people in your household, call us to discuss a claim.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home (GOV.UK)
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
• English Housing Survey (GOV.UK)

Related articles

• How damp and mould affect your health
• How to report disrepair to your landlord