Damp and Mould: What Landlords Need to Document

Damp and mould are no longer issues landlords can afford to treat casually. They affect health, comfort, compliance and trust. They can also become serious evidence problems if there is a dispute about repairs, ventilation or property condition.

This blog explains what landlords should document, how to keep records properly and why inspections and inventories are central to protecting both tenants and property owners.

Why damp and mould matter more now

Housing standards are tightening, and Awaab’s Law has pushed damp and mould higher up the agenda. GOV.UK’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Act states that Awaab’s Law will be extended to privately rented homes, requiring landlords to act quickly when homes are unsafe.

What landlords should record

• First report date: when the tenant first raised the issue.
• Location: room, wall, ceiling, window area or cupboard affected.
• Photos: clear, dated images showing size, spread and context.
• Possible causes: leak, cold bridging, ventilation, blocked extractor, gutter issue or condensation.
• Action taken: contractor visit, advice given, repairs completed, follow-up inspection.
• Communication: emails, messages and tenant updates.

Why photos need context

A close-up of mould is useful, but context is better. Photos should show the whole room, the affected wall, window positions, ventilation points and any nearby leaks or staining. This helps distinguish symptoms from causes.

Do not rely on memory

Months later, it is easy to forget when the patch first appeared, whether a repair was booked or whether the tenant was advised about ventilation. A written, dated inspection report removes guesswork.

How inventories help

A professional inventory report records whether damp, staining or ventilation issues were visible at move-in. That matters later. If a problem appears mid-tenancy, you have a baseline to compare against.

When to book a follow-up inspection

• After leak repairs
• After cleaning or mould treatment
• When extractor fans or heating controls are replaced
• Where tenants report recurring issues
• Before check-out if damp/mould has been a tenancy issue

Final word

Damp and mould documentation is about safety first, but it also protects landlords from confusion and blame. Clear records show you took the matter seriously, acted promptly and kept the property under review.