Do I need a solicitor to claim for damp and mould?

Not strictly — small claims can be brought yourself — but housing disrepair is technical, and a specialist solicitor usually improves both the outcome and the experience, especially where health or significant sums are involved. Many work no-win, no-fee.

How long does a damp and mould claim take?

It varies widely depending on severity, the evidence, and whether the landlord cooperates. Some resolve in a few months; contested cases take longer. Your solicitor can give a realistic estimate for your situation.

What is 'no win, no fee'?

A conditional fee arrangement means you generally pay no solicitor's fee if the claim fails, and a pre-agreed success fee if it wins. Always check exactly what you'd pay, and in what circumstances, before signing.

Will claiming get me evicted?

You should not be penalised for a legitimate claim, and there are protections against retaliatory eviction. If you're threatened after claiming, get advice immediately. See your rights as a tenant .

How to Claim Compensation for Damp and Mould

If your landlord has failed to deal with damp and mould and you’ve suffered as a result, you may be able to claim compensation. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you know what to do and what to expect.

General information for England, not legal advice. For advice on your claim, speak to a regulated solicitor. Official sources: gov.uk, legislation.gov.uk.

Before you start

Two things make or break a damp and mould claim: whether your landlord was on notice, and the quality of your evidence. The steps below are built around getting both right. If you haven’t reported the problem in writing yet, start there — see your rights as a tenant.

Step by step

1. Report the problem in writing

Tell your landlord about the damp and mould in writing (email or their portal) so there’s a clear, dated record. This is the point at which their duties — including any Awaab’s Law timescales — begin.

2. Gather and date your evidence

Build your file: dated photos and videos, your reports and the landlord’s replies, receipts for damaged belongings, and medical records if your health was affected. Keep it all in one place.

3. Give the landlord a chance to fix it

Allow a reasonable time (or the Awaab’s Law deadlines where they apply) for your landlord to investigate and repair the cause. Keep chasing in writing if nothing happens.

4. Escalate if they fail to act

Use the landlord’s formal complaints process. If you’re a social tenant, escalate to the Housing Ombudsman. Contact your council’s environmental health team, who can inspect under HHSRS and require action.

5. Get legal advice from a regulated solicitor

Speak to an SRA-regulated housing disrepair solicitor. Many work no-win, no-fee — but always check how any fee or success fee works before signing. See how to find a solicitor.

6. Make the claim and respond to the outcome

Your solicitor will set out your claim, often supported by an independent survey and medical evidence, then negotiate or, if necessary, litigate. Most claims settle without a final court hearing.

What you might be compensated for

A claim can include several elements:

A proportion of your rent for the period affected.
Damaged belongings.
Ill health and distress caused by the conditions.

For an indicative range and how it’s worked out, see how much compensation for damp and mould?

A note on costs and “no win, no fee”

Conditional fee (“no win, no fee”) arrangements are common in housing disrepair. They reduce your upfront risk, but the details matter: check the success fee, any insurance, and what happens if the claim is unsuccessful or discontinued, all before you sign.

Not legal advice. Whether you have a claim, its value, and the best funding route depend on your circumstances. Take advice from a regulated solicitor.