Mould, damp and your health

How damp and mould affect health

Damp and mould can cause or worsen breathing problems, asthma, chest infections, allergies and skin conditions such as eczema. They can also affect mental health, through stress, worry and poor sleep.

Who is most at risk

• babies and children;
• older people;
• people with asthma or other lung conditions;
• people with weakened immune systems;
• pregnant women.

Tell your landlord if anyone in your home falls into these groups. It should affect how urgently they act.

Awaab's Law

The law is named after Awaab Ishak, who died aged two in 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family's housing association flat. Since October 2025, social landlords in England must investigate and fix damp and mould hazards within set timescales. Awaab's Law.

Health and your claim

If the condition of your home has affected anyone's health, it can be part of your claim. It helps to:

• see your GP and mention the damp or mould at home;
• keep a note of symptoms, appointments and prescriptions;
• keep records of time off work or school.