How do I find a good damp and mould solicitor?

Look for an SRA-regulated solicitor or firm that specialises in housing disrepair, check reviews and credentials, and speak to more than one. Ask how they're funded, who'll handle your case, and what happens if the claim doesn't succeed.

What's the difference between a solicitor and a claims management company?

A solicitor is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and can run your case end to end. A claims management company (CMC) typically refers your case on (often to a solicitor) and is regulated separately by the FCA. Know who you're actually dealing with and how they're paid.

How much does a damp and mould solicitor cost?

Many work on a no-win, no-fee (conditional fee) basis, so there's little upfront cost. Check the success fee, any insurance, and what you'd pay if the claim is unsuccessful or you discontinue, before you sign anything.

Is it free to get advice first?

Many housing disrepair solicitors offer a free initial assessment of your case. There are also free advice services — your local Citizens Advice and Shelter can help you understand your options.

Damp and Mould Solicitors: How to Find Help

If your landlord won’t deal with damp and mould, the right legal help can make the difference. This guide explains how to find a regulated solicitor, what to look for, and how to avoid the pitfalls of the claims-firm market.

General information for England, not legal advice. Choosing and instructing a solicitor is your decision. Use this as a guide to ask the right questions.

Solicitor or claims company? Know the difference

When you search for help you’ll meet two very different things:

Solicitors — regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). A solicitor can advise you and run your case from start to finish.
Claims management companies (CMCs) — regulated separately (by the FCA). They often pass your case on to a solicitor and take a cut. Some are fine; others are aggressive marketers.

Neither is automatically wrong, but you should always know who you are actually dealing with, who will run your case, and how they get paid.

A practical tip: you can check whether a solicitor or firm is regulated on the SRA’s public register.

What to look for in a damp and mould solicitor

Housing disrepair specialism. This is a niche; you want someone who does it regularly, not a generalist.
Clear regulation. SRA-regulated, with a named, contactable person on your case.
Transparent funding. A plain explanation of no-win-no-fee, the success fee, insurance, and any circumstances in which you’d pay.
Good communication. You should feel listened to and kept informed — especially important if you’re already stressed about your home.
Realistic advice. Be wary of anyone promising a specific, large sum before they’ve seen your evidence.

Questions to ask before you sign

Are you SRA-regulated, and who exactly will handle my case?
How are you funded, and what is your success fee?
What happens if my claim is unsuccessful or I want to stop?
Will I need an independent survey or medical evidence, and who arranges it?
Roughly how long might my case take, and what are the likely outcomes?

How no-win, no-fee works

Most housing disrepair claims use a conditional fee arrangement: you generally pay no solicitor’s fee if the claim fails, and a pre-agreed success fee if it wins. It lowers your upfront risk — but the detail matters, so read the agreement and ask about deductions before you commit.

Free help is available too

You don’t have to start with a paid solicitor. Free services can help you understand your position first:

Citizens Advice — general guidance on tenant rights and next steps.
Shelter — housing advice, including on disrepair and damp and mould.
Your council’s environmental health team — can inspect and require action.

Get matched with help

Tell us a little about your situation using the form below and we’ll point you in the right direction. We’ll only ever suggest regulated help.

Important: we are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Any solicitor you instruct will be independently regulated, and the decision to instruct them is yours.