Often the landlord's. If condensation comes from poor ventilation, cold walls, or a building fault, it is their job to fix. Here is how to tell.
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In short
It is often the landlord's job, not yours. Landlords sometimes blame the tenant for condensation and damp. But it may come from poor ventilation, cold walls, broken extractor fans, or a fault in the building. If so, it is the landlord's job to put right.
Key facts
- The 2024 to 2025 English Housing Survey found serious condensation (3% of homes) was more common than penetrating damp (2%) or rising damp (1%). English Housing Survey 2024-25, GOV.UK
- The Housing Ombudsman's 2021 report "Spotlight on damp and mould: it's not lifestyle" called on landlords to stop automatically blaming tenants' lifestyle for damp and mould. Housing Ombudsman, Spotlight on damp and mould
When it is the landlord's job
Condensation usually points to a building problem when:
- There are no working extractor fans in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Windows have no trickle vents or will not open properly.
- The walls are cold because there is no proper insulation.
- The heating is broken or too expensive to run because the home is poorly built.
You cannot ventilate your way out of a home that is cold and badly built. If condensation is turning into black mould, that is a serious hazard.
What the law says
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 makes your landlord responsible for the structure of the home. That covers things like ventilation and heating. If you rent from a council or housing association, Awaab's Law applies. Since 27 October 2025, they must look at a serious damp or mould problem within 10 working days. They must send a written summary within 3 working days after that. They must complete the safety work within 5 working days of the investigation ending. Larger follow-on jobs must start within 12 weeks.
What to do
- Report it to your landlord in writing. Keep a copy.
- Take dated photos of the condensation and any mould.
- Note if the fans, windows, or heating do not work properly.
- See your doctor if anyone is unwell, and ask for a short note.
If your landlord does nothing
A no-win-no-fee claim is one route open to you.
- A Conditional Fee Agreement may fund the solicitor's work. 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.
Support for Tenants is a regulated company, not a solicitor. Panel solicitors run the cases.
Read more about damp and mould or your rights.
Talk to someone
If your landlord is blaming you for condensation, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Sources
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home (GOV.UK)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 20 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only, not a promise; every case is different.
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Still stuck?
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