Mould and damp help in Bristol

If you rent in Bristol

Council or housing association tenants

Since 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law requires councils and housing associations to investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of it being reported, send a written summary within 3 working days of the investigation, and make the home safe within 5 working days of the investigation. Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours.

If your landlord doesn’t act, use its complaints process. If you’re still unhappy with its final response, you can go to the Housing Ombudsman.

Private tenants

Report damp and mould to your landlord or letting agent in writing, with photos. Landlords must keep homes fit to live in under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and you can take them to court if they don’t.

If it isn’t fixed, contact the council’s environmental health or private housing team. The council must take action if the problem could harm you, and can inspect using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

Awaab’s Law doesn’t apply to private renting yet. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 lets the government extend it, but the timescales are still to be consulted on.

In Bristol, the local council is Bristol City Council. You can also find your council on GOV.UK.

Sources (last reviewed September 2026): Awaab’s Law: guidance for tenants in social housing (GOV.UK); Private renting: repairs (GOV.UK); Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: guide for tenants (GOV.UK).

If you own your home

Start by working out where the moisture is coming from. Condensation is the most common cause of damp in homes in England, ahead of penetrating damp and rising damp, so check ventilation and cold spots before paying for a damp-proof course. Our guide to choosing a specialist lists the questions to ask.

Common causes in any home

• Condensation: moisture from cooking, washing and drying clothes settling on cold walls and windows.
• Penetrating damp: water getting in through roofs, gutters, pointing or window seals.
• Rising damp: moisture coming up from the ground through walls or floors.
• Leaks: from pipes, radiators, baths and showers.

Older homes with solid walls can have colder surfaces where condensation forms, while newer, well-sealed homes depend on extractor fans and trickle vents working properly.

Health

Damp and mould can cause or worsen breathing problems, infections, allergies and asthma, and can affect mental health. Children, older people, pregnant women and people with health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk. If someone is unwell, speak to a GP or call NHS 111. More on health risks.