Damp and Mould Management for Blocks of Flats
Proactive damp and mould management that protects your building, safeguards residents' health, and ensures compliance with current legislation.
Damp and mould in a block of flats is more than a cosmetic issue. Left unaddressed, it damages the fabric of the building, reduces property values, and poses serious health risks to residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly. At Block, our approach to damp management block of flats goes beyond surface-level fixes. We identify root causes, implement lasting solutions, and put preventative measures in place to stop problems recurring.
With increasing scrutiny from regulators and growing awareness of tenants rights damp and mould UK, responsible block management now demands a structured, transparent approach to damp and mould issues. Whether the problem originates from condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp, or communal leaks, our property managers work swiftly to assess, report, and resolve every case. As part of our wider block management services and building maintenance programmes, damp and mould management is fully integrated into our ongoing care of every building we look after.
Common Causes of Damp and Mould in Blocks of Flats
Understanding why flats get damp is the first step towards effective remediation. Damp and mould in private rented property and leasehold blocks typically stems from one or more of the following causes:
In many cases, damp and mould results from a combination of factors. Our property managers are trained to distinguish between these causes so that the correct remediation strategy is applied. A damp and mould leaflet for tenants is provided to residents in affected buildings, offering practical guidance on reducing moisture and reporting issues promptly.
Legal Responsibilities: Who Is Responsible for Damp in a Block of Flats?
Who is responsible for damp in a block of flats is one of the most common questions we receive. The answer depends on the cause and the terms of the lease. In most leasehold arrangements, freeholder responsibilities include maintaining the structure and exterior of the building, including the roof, external walls, foundations, and shared services. If damp originates from a structural defect or failure of the building envelope, it is the freeholder's obligation to arrange and fund the repair.
Leaseholders are generally responsible for the interior of their own demise, including ensuring adequate heating and ventilation to minimise condensation. However, where a leaseholder reports damp caused by a structural issue, the freeholder or their appointed managing agent must investigate and act without unreasonable delay.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 strengthened protections by requiring landlords to ensure properties are fit for habitation throughout a tenancy. Damp and mould that poses a health risk can render a property unfit under this legislation. Awaab's Law, while primarily targeting social housing landlords, is setting new standards for response times that are influencing best practice across the entire residential property sector. Understanding how much compensation for damp and mould UK residents may claim highlights the financial as well as moral imperative for managing agents to act swiftly.
At Block, we ensure that freeholder responsibilities relating to damp are met promptly and transparently, and we keep leaseholders informed at every stage of investigation and remediation. If environmental health damp and mould officers become involved, we cooperate fully and ensure all required works are completed within the specified timescales.
Our Proactive Approach to Damp and Mould Management
Effective damp management block of flats requires more than reactive repairs. We take a proactive, systematic approach that prevents problems from developing and addresses existing issues at their source. Our damp and mould management programme includes:
Where structural repairs are needed, we coordinate with our trusted contractors and manage the entire process from specification through to completion. For major works such as roof repairs or window replacement, we ensure proper consultation with leaseholders and full transparency on costs.
Reporting and Remediation Process
A clear, responsive reporting process is essential for managing damp and mould effectively. We make it straightforward for residents, leaseholders, and tenants to report concerns and we commit to acting quickly. A mould claim private landlord or leaseholder raises is taken seriously and logged immediately. Our process follows these stages:
- Resident reports damp or mould via phone, email, or our online portal
- Property manager acknowledges the report and arranges an initial inspection
- Specialist survey commissioned if the cause is not immediately apparent
- Root cause identified and remediation plan agreed with all relevant parties
- Works instructed, supervised, and signed off by our property management team
- Follow-up inspection to confirm the issue has been resolved and has not returned
Every report and action is documented, creating an auditable trail that demonstrates compliance with legal obligations. This is particularly important where environmental health damp and mould contact number enquiries lead to formal investigations. Our transparent approach protects both the freeholder and leaseholders by evidencing that issues were managed responsibly and without delay. To report an issue or discuss your building's needs, please contact us or call 0161 371 7190.
Frequently Asked Questions About Damp and Mould in Blocks of Flats
Who is responsible for damp in a block of flats?
Responsibility for damp in a block of flats depends on the cause and location. The freeholder is generally responsible for the structure and exterior of the building, including the roof, external walls, and shared drainage. If damp is caused by a structural defect, penetrating damp through the building envelope, or a failure in communal systems, the freeholder or their appointed managing agent must arrange remediation. Leaseholders are typically responsible for the interior of their own flat, including maintaining adequate ventilation and heating to prevent condensation. The lease should set out each party's repairing obligations clearly.
How much compensation can I get for damp and mould?
Compensation for damp and mould in the UK varies depending on the severity, duration, and impact on health. Awards from the Housing Ombudsman and courts have ranged from a few hundred pounds for minor cases to tens of thousands of pounds where serious health conditions have resulted from prolonged exposure. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, tenants can claim compensation if their landlord has failed to address damp and mould that makes the property unfit for habitation. Each case is assessed individually based on the evidence provided.
What is the new law regarding damp and mould?
Awaab's Law, introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak from prolonged mould exposure, requires social housing landlords to investigate hazards such as damp and mould within specified timescales and carry out remediation promptly. While Awaab's Law currently applies to the social housing sector, its principles are shaping best practice across all residential property management, including private leasehold blocks. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 already requires all landlords to ensure their properties are fit for habitation, and damp and mould that poses a health risk can render a property unfit.
Can landlords just paint over mould?
No, simply painting over mould is not an acceptable or effective remedy. Painting over mould without addressing the underlying cause will result in the mould returning, often within weeks. A responsible managing agent or freeholder must identify the root cause of the mould, whether that is condensation, a structural leak, inadequate ventilation, or rising damp, and carry out proper remediation. This may include improving ventilation, repairing structural defects, treating affected surfaces with specialist anti-mould products, and only then redecorating once the area is fully dry and treated.
Does opening windows reduce damp?
Opening windows can help reduce condensation damp by allowing moist air to escape and improving air circulation within a property. However, it is not a complete solution and may not be practical in all seasons or locations. A comprehensive approach to damp management in blocks of flats should include adequate mechanical ventilation such as extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, properly functioning trickle vents in windows, and where necessary, positive input ventilation systems. Structural causes of damp such as leaks or rising damp require specific repairs rather than ventilation alone.
Why do flats get damp?
Flats are particularly susceptible to damp for several reasons. Modern living produces significant moisture from cooking, bathing, and drying clothes indoors. In a flat, this moisture has fewer escape routes than in a house, especially in properties with poor ventilation or sealed windows. Condensation forms when warm moist air meets cold surfaces such as external walls and windows. Flats may also suffer from penetrating damp through deteriorating roofs, walls, or failed window seals, and ground floor units can experience rising damp. Shared plumbing and drainage systems can also cause leaks that affect multiple units.
Concerned About Damp and Mould in Your Block?
Get in touch for a professional assessment. Our team will survey your building, identify the causes of damp and mould, and implement a lasting remediation and prevention plan.