Damp and mould in rented homes in Doncaster: steps for tenants and landlords
How to report damp and mould, who is usually responsible, when to contact City of Doncaster Council and where Awaab’s Law stands now. General information only, not legal advice.
Damp and mould in a rented home are best dealt with early and in writing, whether you are the tenant or the landlord. This guide sets out the steps City of Doncaster Council recommends, who is usually responsible and where Awaab’s Law fits in. It is general information, not legal advice; check the latest rules on GOV.UK.
Tenants: report damp and mould to your landlord in writing
Your landlord can only deal with a repair once they know about it. City of Doncaster Council recommends reporting repairs by email or letter and keeping copies. Explain:
- what the problem is and where it is;
- when you first noticed it;
- how it is affecting you or your household;
- with dated photos or other evidence.
Keep a record of every reply, and let the landlord in for inspections and repairs at reasonable times. The Council’s repairs page has a sample repair request letter (City of Doncaster Council: private renting house repairs).
Who is responsible for damp in a rented home?
Landlords are always responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water, and pipes and drains (GOV.UK: private renting repairs). The Council says that includes damp and mould caused by disrepair or structural defects, such as a leaking roof, gutter or pipe, or rising damp. Condensation is different: the Council calls it the most common cause of damp it hears about, and everyday habits such as drying washing indoors and poor ventilation make it worse, so the fix can involve both tenant and landlord. If you are not sure which you have, see condensation vs rising damp and penetrating damp from gutters and brickwork.
If nothing happens: contacting City of Doncaster Council
If your landlord or agent does not respond, refuses or leaves the problem unresolved for an unreasonable time, complete the Council’s disrepair report form to reach the Housing Enforcement Team. Where the only problem is damp and mould, the Council has a dedicated line on 01302 737996 (City of Doncaster Council: damp, mould and condensation). St Leger Homes tenants should report to St Leger Homes first. Social housing tenants can also go to the Housing Ombudsman once they have used their landlord’s complaints process.
Awaab’s Law: who it covers now
Awaab’s Law sets legal timescales for social landlords in England to investigate and fix damp and mould hazards. It began applying to social housing on 27 October 2025. It does not yet apply to private rented homes. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will extend it to private tenancies, and the government opened a consultation on how and when on 9 October 2026, closing on 18 December 2026 (GOV.UK consultation: extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies). Private landlords already have legal duties to keep rented homes fit to live in and in repair.
Landlords and letting agents: act fast and find the cause
Reply quickly, keep written records and find the cause before treating the symptom: painting over mould or adding a dehumidifier will not fix a leaking gutter. A damp survey gives you a written record of the cause and the recommended work; damp survey cost in Doncaster explains what to expect. On the enquiry form, choose “Landlord or agent” so the firm that contacts you knows the property is let.
Simple ways to reduce condensation and mould
- Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms while cooking and bathing, and use extractor fans.
- Avoid drying clothes on radiators in closed rooms.
- Keep furniture slightly away from outside walls.
- Clean light mould safely; see black mould removal and causes.
Sources and further reading
City of Doncaster Council: damp, mould and condensation; City of Doncaster Council: private renting house repairs; GOV.UK: private renting repairs; GOV.UK consultation: extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies; Housing Ombudsman.
Related guides
- Doncaster areas and DN postcodes
- Damp after flooding
- Damp survey cost
- Black mould removal and causes
- Cellar damp and tanking
- Penetrating damp
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for damp and mould in a rented home in Doncaster?
City of Doncaster Council says landlords are responsible for damp and mould that results from disrepair, structural defects or other issues that are theirs to fix, such as leaking gutters, roofs or pipes. Tenants are expected to keep the home clean and well ventilated and to report repairs promptly.
How long does my landlord have to fix damp?
There is no single deadline for private landlords. The Council says repairs should be done within a reasonable period once the landlord knows about the problem, depending on how serious it is. Awaab’s Law sets fixed timescales for social landlords, and the government is consulting on extending it to private renting.
Who do I contact at the Council about damp and mould?
If you have reported it and nothing has happened, use the Council’s disrepair report form to reach the Housing Enforcement Team. Where the only issues are damp and mould, the Council has a dedicated damp and mould line on 01302 737996.
Does Awaab’s Law apply to private renters yet?
Not yet. It has applied to social housing in England since 27 October 2025. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 allows it to be extended to private tenancies, and a government consultation on how to do this runs until 18 December 2026.