Damp and mould are not just unpleasant to live with; they are signs of a serious housing disrepair problem. If you are a tenant in Lewisham and your home is affected by damp, mould, or black mould, and your landlord has failed to resolve the issue after being informed, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Under housing disrepair law, you could also compel your landlord to carry out the necessary repairs.
Damp and mould claims fall under the broader category of housing disrepair claims, which protect tenants from unsafe or uninhabitable living conditions. These claims are becoming more common in busy areas like Lewisham, where high tenant demand, older housing stock, and stretched local services can lead to slow or insufficient repairs.
At Marley Solicitors, we have supported tenants across Lewisham in holding their landlords accountable for failing to provide safe and suitable housing. Whether you are in social housing, council housing, or a private tenancy, we can help you take action.
What is a housing disrepair claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a legal process through which tenants can seek compensation and repairs when their rented home is in poor condition and the landlord fails to act. These claims cover a wide range of problems, but damp and mould are among the most serious due to their impact on health and quality of life.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, your landlord has a legal duty to maintain the property in a safe and liveable condition. If your landlord ignores or delays action on your report of damp and mould, they may be in breach of duty.
Can I claim for damp and mould in Lewisham?
Yes, you can make a claim if you meet the following criteria:
- You live in a rented property in Lewisham
- You have notified your landlord of the damp or mould problem
- The landlord failed to carry out adequate repairs within a reasonable timeframe
- You have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result
This includes tenants in council housing, housing association properties, and private rentals.
Common signs that support a claim include:
- Persistent condensation on walls and windows
- Black mould patches on walls or ceilings
- A damp, musty smell throughout the home
- Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
- Recurrent illnesses or breathing issues
Common causes of damp and mould in Lewisham homes
Lewisham is home to a large number of older properties, many of which have outdated insulation, ageing plumbing, or inadequate ventilation. These conditions can create the perfect environment for damp and mould to thrive. Common causes include:
- Leaking pipes or roofs
- Broken guttering or downpipes
- Poor ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
- Cracks in walls allowing water ingress
- Faulty boilers or heating systems
- Rising damp from damaged foundations
Housing associations like L&Q, Peabody, and Clarion, as well as Lewisham Council, are responsible for ensuring that tenants are not living in harmful conditions. Unfortunately, many tenants report long waits or repeated neglect when reporting these issues.
Why is damp and mould dangerous?
Damp and mould are more than just inconvenient or unsightly; they can have serious health implications, especially for vulnerable individuals. People most at risk include:
- Babies and young children
- Elderly residents
- People with asthma or respiratory conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Those with skin conditions like eczema
Exposure to mould spores and high humidity levels can lead to:
- Asthma attacks
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Sinus problems
- Fatigue and headaches
GP surgeries in Lewisham, such as South Lewisham Group Practice, Hilly Fields Medical Centre, and Lee Health Centre, regularly see patients suffering from damp-related health issues. If your health has worsened due to poor housing conditions, your claim may include medical damages.
What can I claim compensation for?
When you make a housing disrepair claim for damp and mould, compensation can be awarded for several types of losses, including:
- Health impacts – if you or a family member suffered illness as a result
- Damage to personal belongings – such as furniture, clothing, or electronics affected by damp
- Increased bills – if you’ve had to run heaters or dehumidifiers constantly
- Stress and inconvenience – particularly if certain rooms were unusable
- Loss of enjoyment – for living in a space that has become uninhabitable
The amount of compensation depends on how long the issue persisted, the severity of the damage, and how much evidence you can provide. In some cases, landlords are also ordered to carry out repairs or pay for temporary accommodation.
How to start a damp and mould claim in Lewisham
If you believe you have a claim, follow these steps to strengthen your case:
- Document everything – take photographs of all visible mould and damp, and keep records of health impacts or damaged belongings.
- Notify your landlord in writing – provide clear details and a request for repairs, and keep copies of all communication.
- Allow time for a response – usually around 14–28 days is considered reasonable.
- Contact Lewisham Council – report the issue to the Private Sector Housing team or Environmental Health if there is no response.
- Seek legal advice – a solicitor can help you take formal legal action and pursue compensation.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors has extensive experience handling housing disrepair claims, including cases involving severe damp and mould. We have worked with clients across Lewisham and the wider South London area, helping tenants secure the repairs and compensation they deserve.
Living in poor conditions while your landlord ignores you can be a stressful and isolating experience. We commit to handling your case with urgency, empathy, and professionalism.
Many of our clients seek our assistance after experiencing repeated disappointment from landlords, housing associations, or local authorities. With our support, you can take charge of the situation and assert your legal rights.
No win, no fee claims for housing disrepair in Lewisham.
If you are concerned about the cost of legal action, you should know that most damp and mould claims can be handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless your claim is successful.
We offer free initial consultations so that you can understand your options before making a decision. If we take your case on, we will handle the legal process from start to finish, including:
- Gathering medical evidence and repair reports
- Communicating with the landlord or their legal team
- Issuing a formal Letter of Claim
- Negotiating a settlement or pursuing court proceedings if needed
FAQs about damp and mould claims in Lewisham
Am I eligible to make a claim if I reside in council housing in Lewisham?
Yes. Whether your landlord is Lewisham Council or a housing association, you still have the right to live in a safe and healthy home. If they have failed to fix damp and mould problems, you may be eligible for compensation.
Do I need to move out to make a claim?
No, you can make a claim while still living in the property. In fact, ongoing issues may strengthen your case. If the property becomes uninhabitable, the court may require the landlord to rehouse you temporarily.
Is there a time limit for making a housing disrepair claim?
Yes, generally you have up to six years from the date you first reported the issue. However, it is crucial to initiate the process promptly, particularly if your health has suffered.
Could you please let me know the typical duration for resolving a damp and mould claim?
The timeline varies. Simple cases may be resolved within a few months, while more complex claims can take longer, especially if the landlord denies responsibility or fails to cooperate.
Speak to a Lewisham housing solicitor today
If you’re dealing with persistent damp and mould in your home and your landlord has failed to take action, Marley Solicitors is here to help. We are experienced in housing disrepair law and have successfully helped tenants in Lewisham secure compensation and repairs.
Take control of your situation and protect your health and wellbeing. We offer free consultations and may be able to handle your case on a no win, no fee basis.
Call Marley Solicitors today or complete our short enquiry form to speak to a specialist.
Let us help you get the justice and safe living conditions you deserve.
