AIBU? For thinking we should leave our house immediately?

[Betty0009]

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)

Yes and that’s what I advised if you read my other comments…

Awaab’s Law. Became law on October 27, 2025 report to the council

No it isn't normal but lots of steam and humidity will cause mould.

My friends husband has hour long showers and if they don't wash the roof of the bathroom down with bleach the roof turns black with mould within a week. None of their neighbours in the row of houses they live in suffer from this issue. Its a ventilation issue though.

For social housing. Not yet private renters

Ask your partner is he prepared for your child to become seriously ill, there was a law recently enacted due to mould. Even yourself or, god forbid, him?? Put it bluntly & Please, go to GP re child & explain the conditions you are living in!

You’re definitely not being unreasonable. What you’ve described—green mould on furniture, black mould on walls, food going mouldy in days, and a baby developing a cough—is far beyond what’s safe or manageable.
Mould like this can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even toxic effects, especially in babies and young children. The NHS and government both advise that vulnerable people should avoid mould exposure as much as possible.

If cleaning doesn’t help and it keeps coming back, it’s likely a structural issue—moisture trapped in walls, insulation, or subflooring. You’ve already done everything right: dehumidifiers, heating, ventilation. The fact that it’s still growing means it’s not surface-level anymore.

I’d absolutely consider staying somewhere else while you look for a new place. Your partner might not realise how serious mould can be—especially for little ones. I’ve been using a free tool that gives a visual mould risk score from photos, just to help decide when it’s time to escalate. Happy to share it if you want to check how bad it really is.

You’re doing the right thing by trusting your instincts. Your kids’ health comes first, and no one should feel unsafe in their own home.

Id be finding a new rental asap.

Hope you have informed landlord and kept evidence you have informed them.

This ^

From AI:
Awaab's Law will extend to private landlords in England through the new
Renters' Rights Bill, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed. It will legally require private landlords to investigate and fix serious health and safety hazards like damp and mould within strict timeframes, with penalties for non-compliance. While it is not currently in effect for private landlords, they should prepare for its future implementation.

This isn’t quite right - OP needs legal advice as landlord isn’t renting a safe property

Also, totally incorrect on both advice and costings. Mould jd almost always condensation related, as penetrating damp carries contaminants which generally prevent mould growth. And a CCTV survey will set you back quite a bit more than £100

We don't have any idea what the landlord knows as OP is yet another dump and run with only half the information needed to give full advice.

That’s awful. I would leave too

I rented an old house a few years ago with a mould and damp problem. Got out when a mushroom started growing on the kitchen wall 🤢. The landlord painted over things before I moved in I believe.

Exactly We DONT have homes unsuited to lifeSTYLE
We have homes unsuited to LIFE

I'd leave as soon as you possibly can. My mother developed a chronic lung condition from living in a house with mould.