Mould in your rented home: cause, reporting and next steps

1. Map the location, extent and recurrence

Take dated photographs of affected walls, ceilings, joints and furniture. Record first observation and circumstances when the problem returns, such as rain, shower use or cold weather. Keep pictures from before and after treatment.

Do more than write black mould. Describe the wall, approximate visible area, damp patches and damaged finishes. This enables focused technical investigation and helps establish whether conditions worsened or were only superficially treated.

2. Request moisture-source investigation

Moisture may involve leaks, penetrating or rising damp, cold surfaces and inadequate removal of humid indoor air. Several causes can interact. Ask for supporting evidence if the landlord immediately assigns a single cause.

The GGD explains mould and its management. Use that information to frame questions rather than make a definitive diagnosis yourself. An expert inspection can identify appropriate building and use-related measures.

3. Check whether ventilation facilities work

Record vents, opening windows and mechanical extraction. Report faulty controls, blocked ducts or installation failure. Ask for the system’s maintenance and use instructions. Telling an occupant to ventilate does not repair a broken system.

Follow appropriate instructions for the available facilities and record your actions. The GGD’s ventilation guidance distinguishes continuous air exchange from brief airing. Avoid major alterations before responsibility for investigation and a safe solution is agreed.

4. Avoid treating building and use as an either-or choice

A careful file describes actual use and technical possibilities. State occupant numbers, affected rooms and working facilities. Explain limitations such as a window that cannot open or a consistently cold wall.

A general claim of insufficient ventilation does not explain every moisture pattern. Equally, a photo alone does not conclusively establish a structural defect. Ask what investigation supports the conclusion and which measures should prevent recurrence. Keep the discussion tied to a verifiable solution.

5. Seek appropriate cleaning and health advice

Follow current GGD instructions for limited cleaning and avoid exposure that aggravates complaints. Damaged building material or extensive recurring mould requires discussion with the landlord about an appropriate approach. Removing material yourself can affect safety, evidence and repair costs.

Discuss health symptoms with your GP and seek GGD indoor-environment advice where appropriate. Medical advice does not automatically decide tenancy liability. Conversely, you need not win legal proceedings before seeking healthcare. Keep the two processes alongside each other.

6. Request a lasting remedy in writing

Send the photographs, timeline and facility description to the landlord. Request investigation, a repair plan and feedback after work. Confirm previous phone reports. The Rijksoverheid explains the maintenance route.

Offer access and document appointments. If only cleaning or painting is proposed, ask how resolution of the moisture source will be established. Keep the contractor’s report and record recurrence. A completed work order alone says little about the underlying cause.

7. Assess reduction and repairs as distinct objectives

Serious damp or mould can support a temporary reduction subject to conditions. The Huurcommissie procedural rules address reporting and assessment. Every visible patch does not necessarily meet the required seriousness threshold.

Check the sector: liberalised-tenancy advice differs from a binding rent decision. The Huurcommissie also cannot enforce repair. A court may be needed. Select the route for your specific objective and do not independently stop rent payments.

8. Monitor recurrence and consequential damage

Photograph the result and record the work date. Ask whether moisture in construction or finishes still needs drying and what follow-up investigation is planned. Damaged furniture and additional costs require separate liability and insurance assessment. Preserve evidence before disposing of belongings. Distinguish an ongoing defect from a loss already addressed.

• Location, extent and recurrence photographed with dates
• Working and faulty ventilation described
• Cause investigation and report requested in writing
• GGD or medical advice sought where needed
• Reports, access and treatments documented
• Recurrence and consequential damage checked after treatment