Ever noticed dark patches on your walls or a musty smell that won’t go away? That might be black mould. Scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, black mould is a toxic fungus that thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas—which, let’s be honest, describes many student homes.
According to Shelter and the National Union of Students (NUS), over 42% of students live with damp or mould. That’s nearly half of all student renters in the UK. When you combine cheap housing, poor maintenance, and shared spaces, it creates the perfect breeding ground for black mould.
And it’s not just about looking grim. Black mould can cause health problems, damage your belongings, and affect your studies. So if you’ve been waking up with a sore throat, coughing for no reason, or spotting black marks near your window or bed, mould could be the reason.
First, What is Black Mould in Student Accommodation?
Black mould is a common problem in student housing, especially in older or poorly ventilated properties. It looks like dark patches, usually black or dark green, and tends to grow in damp spots like around windows, behind furniture, or on cold walls. You might notice a strong, musty smell before you even see it.
In student homes, it often appears because of things like drying clothes indoors, not having proper ventilation, or shared bathrooms and kitchens creating lots of moisture. It’s not just ugly to look at, it can also affect your health. Breathing in mould spores can lead to coughing, blocked noses, and make asthma or allergies worse. If you spot black mould, it’s a clear sign that your accommodation has a damp problem that needs sorting.
Why Is My Student Housing Always Damp?
Let’s face it, many student properties weren’t designed with comfort in mind. Older buildings often suffer from poor insulation, faulty guttering, and rubbish ventilation. Damp gets in and stays in.
But it’s not all the landlord’s fault. Some daily habits can make things worse:
- Drying clothes indoors without a window open
- Long hot showers with no extractor fan
- Cooking without lids and keeping the kitchen door closed
When warm air meets cold surfaces, it turns into condensation. That moisture then sinks into your walls, carpets, and furniture—creating the perfect home for black mould.
Why Black Mould is a Health Hazard for Students
You might think you’re young and healthy enough to ignore mould, but it can take a serious toll over time. NHS research links black mould to:
- Breathing problems and chest tightness
- Worsening of asthma and allergies
- Skin irritation and even fatigue
Plus, let’s be honest, if you’re sleeping in a room full of spores, you’re not going to feel rested or focused. Several studies have found a link between mould exposure and lower academic performance.
Top Causes of Mould in Student Houses and Where It Usually Grows
Mould in student houses isn’t just down to leaks or floods. In most cases, it’s caused by everyday living in homes that aren’t built or maintained to handle moisture well.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Condensation from cooking, showering, or even just breathing—especially in smaller, shared spaces.
- Poor ventilation, like windows that don’t open properly or extractor fans that don’t work.
- Blocked air bricks or vents, stopping fresh air from circulating.
- Cold, uninsulated walls, often found in basements or corner rooms where damp builds up.
And where does it all end up? Usually in the places you don’t check every day. Mould often grows in:
- Hidden spots behind wardrobes and desks, especially if they’re pushed up against external walls.
- Around windows and sills, where condensation gathers and lingers.
- Ceilings, particularly above showers or in rooms that don’t get much heat.
- Shared kitchens and bathrooms, where lots of steam builds up and ventilation is usually poor.
If you notice a damp smell or find unexpected dark patches, chances are the mould’s already made itself at home. Keeping an eye on cold, damp-prone areas can help you catch it early.
How To Spot Black Mould (And When It’s Something Worse)
So, what does black mould look like? Here are a few signs:
- Dark green or black patches, often with a fuzzy texture
- A musty, earthy smell that lingers even after cleaning
- Coughing, sneezing, or blocked nose that improves when you leave the house
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if the mould is harmless or toxic. If the issue keeps coming back after you clean it, it could be a sign of a deeper problem like rising damp or leaks inside your walls. That’s when it’s best to call in a professional surveyor.
What To Do When You Discover Black Mould
Don’t ignore it. Black mould spreads fast and can damage your health and belongings.
- Take clear photos of the affected areas
- Write to your landlord or letting agent with full details
- Keep all emails and texts as evidence
- Ventilate the room and avoid touching the mould directly
You’re within your rights to ask for repairs and a professional inspection.
How to Reduce Condensation and Stop Mould Forming
You can’t fix the house, but you can reduce moisture buildup with these simple tips:
- Open windows for 10 minutes each morning, even in winter
- Use extractor fans when cooking or showering
- Don’t dry clothes indoors without ventilation
- Keep lids on pans while cooking
- Leave gaps behind furniture for air to circulate
These might seem minor, but they can make a big difference.
When Might Mould Be Your Fault?
It’s not always down to bad landlords. If you:
- Never open your windows
- Block air vents with furniture
- Refuse to heat the property properly
- Painting over old mould problem
- Anti mould paint failed
…then your lifestyle could be part of the problem. Most tenancy agreements require you to take reasonable steps to ventilate your room and report issues promptly.
But here’s the key: if the house was never fit to handle daily moisture in the first place, then it’s not your fault.
If Your Landlord Doesn’t Act, Here’s What to Do
Under UK housing law, your landlord has a legal duty to make sure your home is safe and healthy to live in. That includes tackling any damp or mould issues.
Thanks to Awaab’s Law, passed after the tragic death of a toddler from mould exposure in 2020, the pressure is now on landlords to act faster and more responsibly.
If you report mould, they must:
- Investigate the issue promptly
- Fix the source of the damp, not just paint over it
- Carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe
And if they ignore you? You can escalate your complaint to your local council or environmental health team.
Still no response after a week or two? Here’s how to turn up the pressure:
- Contact your student union housing adviser
- Report the issue to your local council’s Environmental Health team
- Use tools like Shelter’s template letters for mould complaints
- Get your university’s accommodation office involved
With Awaab’s Law in place, local authorities now have more power to enforce action against negligent landlords.
When It’s Time to Call in the Experts
If you’ve done everything right and mould keeps coming back, you might be facing a serious underlying issue like penetrating damp, rising damp, or a structural leak.
That’s when you need a specialist like Damp 2 Dry Solutions.
We offer:
- Full property assessments
- Thermal imaging and moisture detection
- Safe mould removal and long-term treatments
“Students shouldn’t have to live in homes that damage their health. Our mission is to fix the problem at its root, not just wipe it off the walls.” — Damp 2 Dry Solutions Team
Final Thought: Mould Is Not “Just Part of Student Life”
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Mould is a housing issue, not something you should put up with.
If your room is making you ill or uncomfortable, take action. Know your rights. And when needed, bring in experts who understand what student housing really looks like.
Need help dealing with mould in your student accommodation?
Reach out to Damp 2 Dry Solutions. We serve a diverse range of markets across Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Stoke On Trent, Newcastle, Macclesfield, Warrington and the surrounding area.