Have you just moved in and found dampness and mold in your private rental property? First, inform your landlord! Government procedures indicate that landlords should consider such matters seriously.
First of all, inform your landlord and/or property manager to launch a written petition of damages and request an evaluation. Follow their condensation advice and avoid condensation from occurring in the first place by airing the apartment using anti-mould products. If this is the case, the matter should be reported to the environmental health officers so that they can force the landlord to do something about it.
Damp and Mould in Rental Property
Damp and mould in rented house can be very worrying and affect health. Hence, at Disrepair Compensation Lawyers, we understand. This blog will provide you with some useful steps that you and your landlord can take to address damp problems and enhance the well-being of the dwelling. Let’s get started!
Landlord’s Inspection and Responsibility
Your landlord should visit and inspect the problem. Make sure to let them in to check it out. If they can’t figure it out, they should hire a damp surveyor at their expense.
Tenants’ rights damp and mould uk
You must inform your landlord if there is dampness in rented property or if there is mould on the walls. Also, ensure that you record the dates you made contact, by and through what method, and all the letters and emails you sent to them. This may help if the issues aren’t resolved. The information obtained from the circular is valuable for understanding the requirements of the learners in LDCs.
How Quickly Should Your Landlord Act?
The urgency of action depends on the severity. If your health is at risk, immediate action is needed. Beware of “revenge eviction”. Some landlords might try to evict tenants who request repairs.
Addressing the Causes of Mould and Damp in Rented Property
Once the causes are identified, your landlord must fix them. Common causes include:
- Structural issues
- Faulty installations
- Leakage of internal pipes
- Poor ventilation
- Faulty boilers
- Heating systems
- Roof Issues
Your landlord should also check the extractor fans to ensure they are working properly.
Recognising Signs of Damp and Mould
Damp is a common problem in any house or flat and, if left unresolved, may cause numerous other problems in the future. Yes, it may affect your physical and mental health and also cause harm or loss of your property. In many cases, you are never able to notice the damp issues before you fully sign the contract for the house and its units. However, there are common warning signs you should watch out for once you start viewing the properties to rent.
Must check these when checking for damp and mould in a rental property:
- Stains on the walls, buckling, and scaling of paints and/or wallpapers
- The appearance of black mould on joints of window frames, particularly those of the bedroom and bathroom.
- Mould is growing at the corners of the rooms, mainly on the ceiling.
- Additional condensation – windows with stream, mirrors
- Musty or damp smell
- Stains on walls
- Fresh paint smell (this might be a sign that the person has painted over visible mould).
Landlords might start with improvements, but if these don’t work, they should move to repairs. If your living space becomes unfit, your landlord may need to insulate the walls or roof.
Dealing with Condensation
Condensation is a common cause of damp and mould in private rented property. It happens when moist air meets cold surfaces like windows or external walls. Here’s what you can do:
- Open windows regularly
- Cover pans while cooking
- Dry clothes outdoors or use a dryer
- Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Keep furniture away from external walls
- Wipe condensation from windows daily
Persistent Problems and Seeking Help
If damp and mould persist, tell your landlord. They should reassess the property’s ability to handle everyday living conditions. For support, refer to the government guidance checklist.
Environmental Health Intervention
If your landlord fails to act, contact the environmental health department. They can compel your landlord to address the issue. But watch out for potential “revenge eviction.”
What Should Your Landlord Do to Prevent Mould and Damp?
Your landlord has a legal responsibility to address certain damp problems, particularly those related to structural issues, repair problems, and health impacts. When it comes to condensation, responsibility can be harder to determine, but landlords often provide tenants with condensation advice, which should be followed if possible.
Preventative Methods
Landlords should focus on preventative measures and install equipment to stop condensation and damp issues from developing. Here are some effective steps:
Improve Ventilation
- Use systems like Perma-vent, Nuaire Drimaster ECO, or Kair Heat Recovery Unit to replace humid air with fresh air, reducing moisture and eliminating surface condensation.
- Install ventilation systems centrally for maximum effectiveness.
Insulation & Windows
- Comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by ensuring a minimum energy performance rating of E on an EPC.
- Improve insulation in the roof, walls, and floor.
- Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazed ones to enhance energy efficiency.
Damp Defence
- Use Anti-Mould Wash to remove black mould and other fungi from surfaces.
- Apply Anti-Mould Paint to prevent mould recurrence, even in areas with persistent condensation.
- Use Anti-condensation paint to raise the temperature of internal walls and prevent condensation.
Bathroom Damp Solutions
- Upgrade ventilation in bathrooms.
- Use Anti-Mould Paint or anti-condensation paint to prevent future issues.
Landlords can refer to guides on reducing damp for more affordable and preventative methods to reduce damp and condensation in rental properties.
Complaints Against Letting Agents
You can complain about letting agents if they:
- Ignore your complaints
- Tell you to fix damp and mould yourself
- Fail to pass your message to the landlord
Claiming Compensation
If dampness and mould in rented house have caused health problems, damaged your belongings, or incurred extra costs like running a humidifier, you can claim compensation. You have up to three years to make a claim. Stay proactive and informed to keep your home safe and healthy, free from damp and mould.
Damp and Condensation Experts
Our guide has helped you understand the basics of mould and dampness in rented property. By now, you should have a clear idea of your next steps. At Disrepair Compensation Lawyers, we have years of experience helping tenants and landlords find affordable and effective solutions to damp problems.
Ready to tackle damp in your rental property? Contact us today and discover how we can help you achieve a damp-free living space!
