Damp and mould in an HMO is usually caused by condensation, leaks or rising or penetrating damp, and often by a mix. For a house in Reading we start with a measured survey, check the council’s written HMO standards for the number of sharers, and then price each item separately. Reading has a university population, so many shared houses are let to students on yearly tenancies, and summer is the main window for works.
- Area
- Berkshire, England
- Postcodes
- RG1, RG4, RG6 and RG30
- Location
- 37 miles west of London
- Council
- Reading Borough Council
- Pricing region
- South East
What do damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Reading involve?
- Photo report of before and after
- Cause-finding survey with moisture readings
- Mould treatment and stain-block
- Re-plastering and making good
- Extraction and continuous ventilation
Which rules apply in Reading?
Here is what usually applies to a Reading job of this kind. It is general information rather than legal advice, and the council’s written HMO standards have the final detail.
- Councils assess hazards, including damp, mould and fire, under the HHSRS; revised regulations and guidance applied from 23 June 2026.
- Rented homes must currently meet at least EPC E, with a £3,500 spending cap. The government plans EPC C by October 2030, subject to legislation.
- Councils can fine up to £7,000 where a Category 1 hazard is not removed when it reasonably could have been.
Reading Borough Council: local HMO schemes
| Article 4 (HMO) | In force in part of the council area C3-C4 direction for parts of Park, Redlands and Katesgrove wards (from 2012, extended 2017) plus Jesse Terrace (made Jan 2016). |
|---|---|
| Additional licensing | In force across the council area Borough-wide additional HMO licensing commenced 1 Mar 2026 (five-year maximum). |
| Selective licensing | Proposed Selective licensing planned for Battle ward first, then Park and Redlands at 12-14 month intervals; not yet formally designated. |
Schemes change. Check the council’s current pages for the exact address in Reading before you buy or start work. Source: Reading Borough Council HMO licensing page, checked 2026-10-31.
How much do damp, mould and HHSRS repairs cost in Reading?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damp repair, from a single wall to a whole house | £600 – £4,000 | £670 – £4,500 | job |
| Mould treatment and making good | £250 – £500 | £280 – £560 | room |
Prices in Reading are shown with our regional adjustment for South East (above the UK average). Your quote is itemised and fixed in writing once the scope and specification are agreed.
How long does it take?
Typical time on site: 2–10 working days. We agree the programme with you before starting and send photo updates as the work progresses.
For student houses in Reading, booking by spring is the safest way to make the summer gap.
When do Reading landlords need it?
Landlords in Reading most often ask us for this when:
- Recurring mould in bathrooms and bedrooms
- An HHSRS finding or council letter
Questions about damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Reading
What is HHSRS?
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the method councils in England and Wales use to assess hazards in homes, including damp and mould.
Which postcodes in Reading do you work in?
All of them, including RG1, RG4, RG6 and RG30, and the surrounding parts of Berkshire.
Which council covers HMOs in Reading?
Reading is covered by Reading Borough Council. We read the council’s written HMO standards before pricing, and you should check the licence position for the exact address.
How much do damp, mould and HHSRS repairs cost in Reading?
Our guide ranges for South East are in the table on this page, and the guide-price tool gives a figure for your house. A fixed written quote follows a free site visit.
Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs near Reading
- Lower Earley · 3 mi
- Wokingham · 7 mi
- Crowthorne · 10 mi
- Yateley · 10 mi
- Bracknell · 10 mi
- Sandhurst · 11 mi
- All of Berkshire
Other HMO services in Reading
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Reading
- EPC and energy upgrades in Reading
- Full HMO refurbishment in Reading
- Void and between-tenancy refurbs in Reading
- Licence condition and schedule-of-works in Reading
- Communal kitchen refits in Reading
- Small HMO conversions (3–6 sharers) in Reading
- Fire alarm and detection systems in Reading