If you rent your home from a private landlord or housing association and you have damp or mould, contact your landlord or managing agent first.
They are usually responsible for dealing with repairs and maintenance issues that cause damp and mould.
If your landlord or managing agent does not respond, refuses to carry out the necessary repairs or does not deal with the problem within a reasonable time, we may be able to help.
Before you contact us
You must first contact your landlord or managing agent in writing and explain the problem.
Keep copies of any emails or letters you send. If you can, take photographs of the damp or mould to show how it is affecting your home.
If your landlord or managing agent has not responded within 14 days, or has refused to carry out the repairs, contact us.
How to report a problem to us
To report a problem to us:
- email rrt@oxford.gov.uk
- phone 01865 252211
When you contact us, make sure to include:
- your name, address and contact details
- the date you reported the problem to your landlord or managing agent
- your landlord's or managing agent's name and contact details
- your housing association repair reference number (if you have one)
- any evidence you have, such as photographs or copies of emails or letters
What happens next
When we receive your report, we will review the information and discuss the next steps with you.
Depending on your circumstances, we may:
- contact your landlord or managing agent
- arrange an inspection of your home
- assess the cause and severity of the damp or mould
- ask your landlord or managing agent to carry out repairs
- serve them with an improvement notice if they fail to act
Landlord responsibilities
Private landlords and managing agents are responsible for maintaining their properties and repairing issues that cause damp and mould.
All privately rented homes in Oxford must be licensed. As part of the licence conditions, landlords and managing agents must inspect their properties regularly and address damp, mould and other repair issues.
Support with heating and energy costs
If you're struggling to keep your home warm and dry, see our cost of living support pages for help with energy, food and other essential living costs.
