Renters Guide
How to Get Rid of Black Mould in a Rented Flat — UK Guide
Updated June 2026
Black mould in a rented flat is stressful. It looks awful, it smells, it damages your belongings, and it can make you ill. Worse, many landlords try to blame your "lifestyle" rather than fix the building. This guide covers two things: how to remove and prevent mould yourself with affordable Amazon products, and what your landlord is legally required to do about it.
Quick answer
- Kill existing mould with a specialist spray (£6).
- Measure humidity with a hygrometer (£10).
- If humidity is above 60%, get a portable dehumidifier (£85–£200).
- Report to your landlord in writing with photo evidence and humidity readings.
All products below are renter-friendly — no drilling, no permanent changes.
Is black mould dangerous?
Yes. Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger) releases spores that can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, respiratory infections and skin irritation. Children, the elderly, and people with existing respiratory conditions are most at risk. The NHS recommends removing mould promptly and identifying the underlying damp problem.
Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from prolonged mould exposure in his family's rented flat in Rochdale in 2020. His death led to Awaab's Law in 2024. This is a serious health issue, not a cosmetic one — treat it as a priority.
If anyone in the household is having breathing difficulties linked to the mould, contact your GP and document the link in writing — it strengthens any claim against your landlord.
Step-by-step: remove black mould safely
Protect yourself
- Open windows for ventilation while you work.
- Wear rubber gloves and a dust mask (FFP2 or higher).
- Don't brush dry mould — it releases spores into the air.
Kill the mould
HG Mould Spray 500ml — £6–£8
Specialist mould spray that clings to walls and ceilings. Spray, leave for 10 minutes, wipe away.
Check Price on Amazon UK →Clean the surface
Wipe the treated area with a damp cloth and dispose of the cloth in a sealed bag — don't reuse it.
UniBond Anti-Mould Sealant — £8–£12
If mould is in silicone sealant around windows, baths or sinks, remove the old sealant and replace with an anti-mould version. Cheap fix, lasts years.
Check Price on Amazon UK →Prevent regrowth
Owatrol VC175 Anti-Mould Additive — £15–£20
Mix into your paint or apply as a clear protective treatment. Prevents mould returning for years. Check with your landlord before painting.
Check Price on Amazon UK →Fix the root cause (as a renter)
Removing mould without fixing the moisture problem just delays it. Everything below is portable, requires no drilling, and you can take it with you when you move out.
1. Measure humidity
ThermoPro TP50 Hygrometer — £10
If your reading is above 60% RH, you have a moisture problem. Place one in the worst affected room.
Check Price on Amazon UK →2. Reduce moisture
Devola 12L Dehumidifier — £85–£110
A portable dehumidifier that you take with you when you move out. Removes 12 litres a day at around 5p per hour.
Check Price on Amazon UK →3. Reduce condensation through draughts
Tapel Draught Strip with 3M Adhesive — £5–£7
Seal gaps around windows and doors. Renter-friendly — peels off cleanly when you leave.
Check Price on Amazon UK →4. Warm up cold windows
PONY DANCE Thermal Curtains — £15–£22
Thermal curtains keep warm air away from cold glass, dramatically reducing overnight condensation in bedrooms.
Check Price on Amazon UK →Ventilation habits that help:
- Open windows for 10 minutes daily, even in winter.
- Always use the extractor fan when cooking or showering.
- Never dry clothes on radiators — use a heated airer with a dehumidifier instead.
- Keep furniture 5cm away from cold external walls so air can circulate.
Your landlord's legal responsibilities
Since Awaab's Law (2024), social landlords in England must investigate reports of damp and mould within 14 days and begin repairs within strict timeframes. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 already covers all rented homes, private and social — your home must be free from damp and mould that affects health.
Your landlord cannot blame "lifestyle" as a way to avoid repairs. If the building has poor insulation, broken extractor fans, single-glazed windows with no trickle vents, or a leak — those are landlord problems, not tenant problems. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) classes serious damp and mould as a Category 1 hazard that councils can force landlords to fix.
Report problems in writing (email is fine — keep a copy). Include dated photos, hygrometer readings, and any GP notes linking health issues to the mould. If your landlord refuses to act, contact your council's Environmental Health team, Shelter or Citizens Advice. For the full process and template letters, see our landlord responsibilities guide.