Mould issues affecting UK renters
19/09/2025
Home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk conducted a survey on mould awareness in the UK, asking people about their living conditions and issues with mould, especially those in rented accommodation.
Despite the law introduced in March 2019* requiring landlords to ensure rented properties are ‘fit for human habitation’, meaning they must be free from hazards such as damp and mould that could cause serious harm, many tenants continue to live in unsafe conditions.
Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during September 2025, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.
| Condensation/Mould survey | Sep-25 |
| Did you know condensation on the windows can lead to mould? | |
| Yes | 95% |
| No | 4% |
| Not applicable | 1% |
| Have you ever seen condensation on the inside of your windows? | |
| Yes | 50% |
| No | 49% |
| Not applicable | 1% |
| What steps do you take to reduce the risk of mould? | |
| Open windows during the day | 37% |
| Wipe down windows | 29% |
| Use a form of dehumidifier | 18% |
| Open internal doors | 14% |
| I don’t take steps to reduce mould | 2% |
| Not applicable | 0% |
| Did you know mould is particularly dangerous for children? | |
| Yes | 92% |
| No | 4% |
| Not applicable | 4% |
| Have you ever lived in a UK rental property with mould issues? | |
| No | 79% |
| Yes | 15% |
| Not applicable | 6% |
| How long did it take the landlord/letting agency to fix the mould issue? | |
| It didn’t get fixed | 46% |
| Not applicable | 13% |
| More than 6 months | 10% |
| More than a year | 8% |
| One week | 8% |
| 1-3 months | 5% |
| Up to one month | 5% |
| 4-6 months | 3% |
| One day | 0% |
In England, there are around 2 million people living with significant damp and mould in their homes.**
The team at Quotezone have compiled a list of key tips to help stop mould from forming.
Eight ways to help prevent mould in the home:
1.Open windows when it’s dry
When it’s dry during the day, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce moisture buildup. Make sure to close them when it rains or before going out to prevent damp from getting inside.
2.Avoid drying clothes on radiators
Drying clothes on the radiator adds moisture to the air. Instead, use a drying rack near a window or a tumble dryer if possible.
3.Wipe down condensation on windows
When there is damp on the windows, wipe away excess moisture, particularly in the mornings during the colder months. You can buy preventative sprays and cleaners to help stop mould reoccurring.
4.Even simple methods can help
Using a bowl of salt is a simple and affordable way to help reduce humidity in damp-prone areas. Salt naturally absorbs moisture from the air, helping to keep the space drier.
5.Keep furniture slightly away from walls
Keeping furniture like sofas slightly away from the wall helps air circulate and prevents dark, damp spots where mould could thrive.
6.Maintain a steady indoor temperature
Maintaining a consistent temperature of around 17°c helps keep moisture at bay – sudden changes in heat can cause condensation and worsen mould.
7. Air circulation
Open internal doors during the day to let air circulate throughout the home. Be careful when using blackout blinds, especially in children’s rooms, they could restrict the flow of air, increasing the risk of mould.
8. Dehumidifiers
There are all sorts of moisture absorbing products now on the market, ranging in price, from small child friendly products to electric dehumidifiers. Be sure to check reviews, prices and energy usage to see what suits your budget.
Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of families every year compare and find savings on all sorts of essential products such as energy comparison, pet and home insurance.
References:
*https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018/guide-for-tenants-homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018
**https://research.ukhsa.gov.uk/our-research/damp-and-mould/
This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.