The Renters’ Rights Bill: Is Your Rental Property Compliant with the New Damp Rules?

The Rules Have Changed (And It’s About Time)

If you own a rental property in London or you’re renting one, the landscape just shifted beneath your feet. The Renters’ Rights Bill is fully active as of this year, and it’s arguably the biggest shake-up to housing standards in decades.

We’ve been performing mould removal in London since 2014, and for years we saw the same pattern: a tenant complains about black mould, a landlord suggests opening a window, and the problem festers. That dynamic is now legally dangerous for landlords.

The government has finally applied the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. This isn’t just guidance anymore; it’s statutory. For the first time, private rentals must meet the same safety standards as social housing. If a property has serious damp or mould, it is now legally defined as “non-decent,” and the consequences for ignoring it are steep.

Awaab’s Law: Now for Private Landlords

You might remember the tragic case of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale. The law named after him was originally aimed at social housing, but the Renters’ Rights Bill has extended these protections to private renters too.

This is the part that catches most landlords out. It introduces strict legal timeframes. You can no longer “get around to it when you can.”

We had a call last week from a landlord in Hackney. Good guy, meant well. He had a tenant report a spreading patch of black mould in the bedroom. He planned to check it “next month” when he was in the area. We had to stop him right there. Under the new rules, waiting a month to investigate a reported hazard could land him in court.

The New Strict Repair Timelines

So, what exactly does the clock look like now? When a tenant reports damp or mould, the countdown starts immediately:

• 14 Days to Investigate: You must investigate the problem within two weeks of the report. This isn’t just a glance; you need to understand the source.
• 7 Days to Start Repairs: Once the investigation identifies a hazard (like significant mould growth), you have just one week to begin fixing it.
• 24 Hours for Emergencies: If the mould poses an “imminent risk” to health—think extensive growth in a baby’s room—investigation and action must happen within 24 hours.

Note for Landlords: “Starting repairs” doesn’t mean painting over the mould. It means addressing the root cause. If the damp is coming from a structural defect or penetrating damp, you need a plan in action within that 7-day window.

The End of “Lifestyle” Blaming

This is a conversation we have daily. “My tenant dries clothes on the radiator, so it’s their fault.”

In 2026, that argument rarely holds up in legal disputes. The Renters’ Rights Bill shifts the burden. The Ombudsman and courts now look at the property’s ventilation capabilities first.

Unless you can prove the property has adequate mechanical ventilation (like humidistat-controlled fans) and insulation, blaming the tenant for condensation is now a losing strategy. The focus is on the building’s performance, not the tenant’s habits.

Landlord Compliance Checklist for 2026

Don’t panic. Compliance is straightforward if you are proactive. Here is what savvy London landlords are doing right now:

What Tenants Can Do Now

If you are renting and living with damp, the power dynamic has swung in your favour. You have the right to a home that is fit for human habitation.

• Report it in writing: Always have a paper trail. Text messages or emails are best.
• Reference the timeline: If 14 days pass without an investigation, remind your landlord of their obligations under Awaab’s Law.
• Contact the Council: If the landlord ignores you, local councils now have stronger powers to fine landlords up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
• Ombudsman Access: The new Private Renters’ Ombudsman gives you a clear path to complain without going to court.

We recently helped a young couple in Ealing. They had complained about a leaking roof for months. Once they cited the new legislation in a formal letter (and attached our survey report confirming the water ingress), the landlord had scaffolding up within three days.

Why Professional Surveys Matter More Than Ever

Under the new rules, “trying” to fix it isn’t enough. You have to actually fix it. This is where Mould Removal Specialists comes in.

Landlords use us because we provide indisputable proof of the problem. We don’t just scrub the wall; we use moisture mapping and thermal imaging to find where the water is coming from.

For tenants, our reports serve as critical evidence. For landlords, our reports act as a shield, proving you hired experts to address the issue properly rather than ignoring it.

Common Questions About the New Rules