Condensation and mould in your baby's bedroom: what to do

Quick answer: Deal with condensation and mould promptly. If you rent, report mould to your landlord straight away. Speak to a healthcare professional, such as your GP, if your baby has symptoms that worry you. Government guidance says children are at greater risk from damp and mould.

What parents need to know

Damp can still affect health when you can't see any mould. The government's guidance on damp and mould explains that extra moisture helps mould, dust mites, bacteria and viruses grow. The longer a problem is left, the worse the health effects are likely to be.

Estimates suggest between 4% and 27% of homes in England have damp and mould, and people who rent are more likely to be affected than people who own their home. The guidance was written in response to concerns raised by the coroner after the inquest into the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in December 2020 from a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould at home.

Why damp and mould matter more for babies

Mould releases spores, allergens and irritants into the air, so the airways and lungs take most of the impact. The government guidance lists cough, wheeze and shortness of breath, a higher chance of chest infections, and new or worsening asthma and rhinitis (a blocked, runny, itchy nose). It can also irritate the eyes and is linked to eczema and other itchy skin rashes.

Babies and children are at greater risk because their organs are still developing. The same guidance names pregnant women, unborn babies and women who have recently given birth as higher-risk groups too, along with anyone with asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system. A person who falls into more than one of these groups, such as a baby with asthma, is likely to be particularly vulnerable.

Setting up a damp-prone bedroom

Ventilation and heating

The government guidance names condensation and poor ventilation as underlying causes of damp. Homes that are badly insulated, expensive to heat or where people feel unable to open the windows carry a higher risk. Letting moist air out and keeping the room warm both help, but neither will fix a structural problem such as a missing damp-proof course.

Cleaning off mould

Removing surface mould won't stop it coming back. The guidance says landlords should deal with the cause as well as the mould, and remove it using a qualified professional when that's appropriate. If you rent, report any mould to your landlord as a repair.

If you rent: how to get mould fixed

The steps below follow GOV.UK advice for private renters in England. The government guidance asks social landlords, as well as private ones, to explain the work and timeframes, photograph the mould before removing it and inspect again at least six weeks later.

1. Report it straight away. GOV.UK says to contact your landlord as soon as you think your home has mould, and to act quickly on anything that could harm health. Put it in writing, and mention that a baby sleeps in the room.
2. Take dated photos. The guidance asks landlords to photograph and record where the mould is before they remove it. Keeping your own photos gives you a record of how it changes.
3. Keep paying rent. You should carry on paying rent while you wait for the repair. Your landlord should tell you when to expect the work.
4. Expect a plan and a follow-up. Landlords should tell you what they will do and how long it will take, deal with the cause as well as the visible mould, and inspect again at least six weeks after the work to check it hasn't come back. They shouldn't wait for medical evidence before acting.
5. Contact your council if nothing happens. The environmental health department at your local council must take action if they think the problem could harm you. If you think your home is unsafe, the council's housing department can carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment.

What your landlord is responsible for

Damp often comes from things only a landlord can fix. Under laws including the Housing Act 2004 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords who don't deal with damp and mould can face prosecution or fines.

When to speak to a healthcare professional

Speak to a healthcare professional, such as your GP, if you're concerned about symptoms in your baby that you think could be linked to damp at home, such as a cough, wheeze, breathlessness, sore eyes or an itchy rash. Mention the mould when you do. The government guidance tells landlords to advise worried tenants to consult a healthcare professional, and to fix the damp without waiting for a doctor's letter.

Frequently asked questions

Can my landlord make me do the repairs myself?

No. GOV.UK says you can't be forced to do repairs that are your landlord's responsibility. You should only carry out repairs if your tenancy agreement says you can.

Does the same apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

The housing standards and procedures are different there. In Scotland, if repairs aren't done, GOV.UK suggests contacting the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP).

What if mould comes back after it's been treated?

Tell your landlord again. The guidance says that if mould returns after the work, they should investigate further and carry out more repairs.