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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU? For thinking we should leave our house immediately?

114 replies

Betty0009 · 09/11/2025 10:10

So me, my partner and our 2 kids (4&1) moved into a rented old cottage in March 2025. We knew it would be cold and damp but over the last couple of months the mould has gotten out of hand. We’ve just thrown out a whole wardrobe which had a thick film of green mould covering the whole thing. The exterior walls all have black mould growing. We clean it but it grows straight back. The kitchen cupboards stink of mould and food and appliances go mouldy in a few days. We have dehumidifiers, heating on all the time, use a tumble dryer and keep windows open. My baby has developed a cough which I’m worried is due to the mould. My partner thinks I’m stupid for wanting to stay somewhere else while we look for somewhere else to live… AIBU? (Picture is just one example of the mould)

AIBU? For thinking we should leave our house immediately?
OP posts:
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Tiswa · 09/11/2025 10:57

The cough could very well be mould related. We had a leak that caused mould in a wall and I was not well for 2-3 months and needed an inhaler - thankfully we owned and could get insurance out to fix the leak de humidifiers and replaster the wall so it was all fine but it wasn’t great for awhile so it sounds an unsafe place for your baby

Meadowfinch · 09/11/2025 10:54

80smonster · 09/11/2025 10:38

Guttering, pipe work or roof need fixing. I’d get a CCTV drainage survey to check all your pipework that’s £100 usually. Water is coming from somewhere, that will be driving the growth.

This. I'd go up a ladder and clear all the gutters (if accessible) and take some photos of the roof and any gutters you cannot reach. The damp is coming from somewhere. It could be they are all blocked with leaves and silt, and overflowing. When were they last cleared?

Drainage - is the garden continually damp or wet underfoot? Are you close to a watercourse? How old is the house? Does it have a dampcourse?

80smonster · 09/11/2025 10:50

TheSandgroper · 09/11/2025 10:38

Eumm, it’s not her house.

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I’d be instructing the landlord and letting agent on the immediate action required. If no action, I would pay for the survey since this would be evidence of the issue and any necessary urgent works. Having this would likely allow you to legitimately break your tenancy.

JLou08 · 09/11/2025 10:49

Why did you move in to a house that you knew was damp? The mould was inevitable. I don't know what the rental market is like where you are but in my area people can be looking for over a year as there's a huge shortage. Can you afford temporary accommodation indefinitely?
You should contact environmental health if the landlord isn't doing anything. Maybe contact your council housing service for advice too.

Mysticmaud · 09/11/2025 10:46

I'd move as soon as possible.

I spent six days in hospital after renting a mouldy cottage. My daughter now has asthma.
There is a change in the law and mould has to be rectified by the landlord immediately.

Springtimehere · 09/11/2025 10:45

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TamarindCottage · 09/11/2025 10:41

Contact the environmental health department and quote your landlord’s license. Speak to your GP too to get the mould problem and the effect on your child’s health on record

Good luck

TheSandgroper · 09/11/2025 10:38

80smonster · 09/11/2025 10:38

Guttering, pipe work or roof need fixing. I’d get a CCTV drainage survey to check all your pipework that’s £100 usually. Water is coming from somewhere, that will be driving the growth.

Eumm, it’s not her house.

80smonster · 09/11/2025 10:38

Guttering, pipe work or roof need fixing. I’d get a CCTV drainage survey to check all your pipework that’s £100 usually. Water is coming from somewhere, that will be driving the growth.

Bringnbuy77 · 09/11/2025 10:30

Have you heard of Awaab’s law? There have been some big changes recently in this area have a look online and see if this could help you.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 09/11/2025 10:23

Do you have somewhere else to stay? What has the landlord said?

PinkFootstool · 09/11/2025 10:23

Leave whenever you want, but legally you're obliged to pay the rent on the contract as per the terms.

You also need to discuss with the landlord. Do the gutters need cleaning? Is there evidence of water ingress anywhere? Do they know about the issues?

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/damp_and_mould_in_rented_homes

Shelter icon

Damp and mould in private rented homes - Shelter England

Find out how to report damp and mould to a private landlord or letting agent, which damp problems your landlord must fix and how to deal with condensation.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/damp_and_mould_in_rented_homes

thebabessavedme · 09/11/2025 10:22

Leave. it should be against the law to rent out a property to people in that state.

vivainsomnia · 09/11/2025 10:22

That's bad indeed. Large furniture right against the wall especially in cramped room is going to be a problem. Are you sure your windows are open often and fir long enough?

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