A Tenant's Guide to Dealing with Mould in Rented Property

Introduction to Mould in a Rented Property

As a tenant, dealing with mould in rented property can be an unpleasant experience. Mould can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems, and can also damage your belongings.

This comprehensive guide aims to help tenants understand the causes of mould, their rights and responsibilities, and what steps to take to address mould problems in their rented properties.

We also look at landlord's responsibility in rental property where things such as penetrating damp are causing significant mould problems.

Causes of Damp and Mould in Rented Properties

1. Rising Damp: This can happen when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls due to a faulty or missing damp-proof course. Rising damp can lead to damp walls and mould on lower portions of the walls.
2. Penetrating Damp: This is caused by water ingress from external sources, such as leaking pipes, broken guttering, or a leaking roof. Penetrating damp can result in damp and mould on ceilings, walls, and around window frames. It can be difficult to tell the difference between this and rising damp without an expert.
3. Poor Insulation: Insufficient insulation can lead to cooler surfaces in the property, which can cause condensation and mould, particularly on external walls.
4. Poor Ventilation: A lack of adequate ventilation can lead to too much moisture and damp conditions in the property, contributing to growth. Blocked air vents, covered vents, objects outside blocking ventilation and rotten window frames can exacerbate the issue.
5. Excessive Moisture: Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes on radiators can create extra moisture, leading to damp and mould if not properly managed.

Tenant's Rights and Responsibilities

According to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property and addressing any structural issues that could potentially lead to mould infestations. However, tenants also have certain responsibilities:

1. Notify the Landlord: Tenants must inform their landlords about any mould issues as soon as they become aware of them. This allows the landlord to inspect the property and take appropriate action to resolve the problem.
2. Proper Ventilation: Tenants should ensure that they ventilate their property adequately by regularly opening windows, particularly in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
3. Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors: Drying wet clothes on radiators or in unventilated rooms can contribute to high levels of moisture and mould. Tenants should use a tumble dryer or dry clothes outdoors whenever possible and avoid covering air vents.
4. Maintain a Reasonable Temperature: Keeping a low background temperature can lead to cold surfaces, condensation, and excessive damp. Tenants should maintain a reasonable temperature throughout the property to prevent damp and mould issues.

Dealing with Mould as a Tenant

1. Document the Issue: Take photographs of the affected areas and keep a record of your communication with the landlord regarding the mould problem. This can be helpful in case of any disputes and to prevent rising damp and mould in rented property.
2. Request Repairs: Contact your landlord and request that they address the mould issue. They have a legal obligation to fix any structural issues that contribute to damp and mould.
3. Independent Inspection: If the landlord disputes the cause of the mould or fails to take appropriate action, consider hiring a damp expert to inspect the property and provide a report. This evidence can be helpful in supporting your case.
4. Contact the Local Authority: If the landlord does not address the mould issue and it is therefore a hazard, you can contact your local authority for assistance. They may inspect the property and take enforcement action against the landlord if necessary. Read more on how to contact Environmental Health here.
5. Seek Legal Advice: In severe cases, consider consulting a property lawyer to discuss your rights and options under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. You will need to show a valid tenancy agreement for your rental property.

Various Types of Mould

There are numerous types of mould fungi, but the main ones you may encounter in a rental property include:

1. Mildew: This is the most prevalent type of black mould, commonly found in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms. Mildew appears as black spots on walls and ceilings and can be faded away with bleach.
2. Green mould: This unattractive mould may contain Penicillin, but it is not beneficial for one's health. Green mould has a fluffy texture and can be found on damp carpets and soft furnishings, potentially causing respiratory issues.
3. Blue mould: Often seen in moist bathrooms, blue mould usually develops on walls around showers and baths. It requires a significant amount of moisture to grow, making steamy shower cubicles an ideal environment.
4. White mould: Exhibiting a furry appearance, white mould is typically found in damp cellars. It may resemble salt deposits (efflorescence) on damp masonry, but it does not dissolve when sprayed with water.

Toxic Black Mould Spores

Stachybotrys chartarum, also referred to as toxic black mould, is a particular variety of black mould that requires a substantial amount of moisture to grow. It is typically found in persistently damp areas, such as cellars, around leaky pipes, or in bedrooms with unrepaired roof leaks.

It is often found where the damp proof course has failed and the property is suffering from rising damp. These dead mould spores circulating the property occurs most often in older properties.

Toxic black mould closely resembles other black mould types but has a greenish-black hue and may sometimes look slimy. To accurately determine if you have toxic black mould, it is essential to consult an expert for testing.

Why is Mould Hazardous?

Mould is an allergen that releases mycotoxins, which can provoke allergic reactions in individuals with respiratory issues, such as asthma or chronic lung conditions, as well as those with weakened immune systems, including babies, the elderly, and people undergoing chemotherapy.

Exposure to mould can cause a range of symptoms, including:

1. Skin rashes
2. Respiratory problems like blocked or runny noses and sneezing
3. Red eyes
4. Asthma attacks
5. Headaches
6. Nausea
7. Insomnia
8. Fatigue
9. Sick building syndrome
10. Fever

Some mould types can lead to severe reactions in people with pre-existing health issues.

Mould exposure can also induce the production of bacteria and microbes, potentially causing an inflammatory response in vulnerable individuals. This may result in health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and bronchitis.

The severity of symptoms is typically connected to the individual's underlying health and the amount of mould present in the property.

While mould exposure usually poses little threat to healthy adults, children tend to be more affected.

Awaab Ishak Law to be Introduced

Awaab Ishak, aged two, died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould at his Rochdale home, an inquest found.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove and Health Secretary Steve Barclay stated, "Awaab Ishak's death was a tragedy that should never have occurred. People across the country were horrified to hear about the terrible circumstances that led to it.

"Awaab's case has highlighted the urgent need for renewed efforts to guarantee that every landlord in the country ensures their tenants reside in suitable homes and are treated with respect and justice."

Tips for Preventing Mould Growth

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation:
2. Regularly open windows and use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce excess moisture and improve air circulation. Avoid covering or blocking air vents or any other ventilation systems.
3. Manage Indoor Humidity:
4. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air, especially during colder months when a heating system and everyday activities can contribute to increased humidity levels.
5. Address Leaks and Maintenance Issues:
6. Report any leaking pipes, broken guttering, or other maintenance issues to your landlord promptly to prevent water damage and mould production. This can reduce the speed of penetrating damp and mould in rented property.
7. Insulate the Property:
8. Talk to your landlord about improving the insulation in the property to minimise condensation and mould growth on cold surfaces, particularly on external walls. Pre cavity wall they should check the damp proof course and any rising damp.
9. Be Mindful of Furniture Placement:
10. Place wardrobes and other large furniture items against internal walls, and leave a gap behind furniture to allow air to circulate and prevent mould growth. This is the landlord's responsibility if the property is fully furnished.
11. Dry Clothes Responsibly:
12. Avoid drying clothes on radiators or in unventilated spaces. Instead, use a tumble dryer or dry clothes outside whenever possible.
13. Maintain a Reasonable Temperature:
14. Keep your rental property at a consistent, reasonable temperature to minimise the risk of condensation and mould growing on cool surfaces. If the property suffers from faulty heating then this needs reporting to your landlord.

When is Mould the Landlord's Fault?

If the mould in a rental property results from a maintenance issue or structural problem, the responsibility falls on the landlord. Landlords must also take action if mould is causing health and safety concerns.

The following case studies demonstrate situations where a landlord could be held accountable for mould issues in a rental property.

Rising Damp Causing Mould Case Study

Edward purchases an old terraced property with rising damp. His budget does not allow for the installation of a new chemical damp proof course, so he paints the place and rents it to a couple with two young children.

Soon, paint flakes off the damp walls, and mould appears all over the lower sections of the downstairs rooms. As this issue results from a structural problem, Edward must address it.

Ingress of Water Causing Mould Case Study

Amina owns a rental property. Her tenant informs her that part of the gutter along the roof edge is broken and that the bedroom wall is damp.

Amina does not fix the problem for several months, and when she finally conducts a property inspection, she discovers black mould on the affected bedroom wall.

In this case, the landlord is responsible for rectifying the damage because she did not address the earlier structural issue.

Insufficient Heating Causing MoUld Case Study

David's tenants report that the heating in their rental property is not functioning correctly – most of the radiators are not getting hot enough, and the one in the bathroom is not working at all.

David does not fix the issue promptly, and by the time the heating is repaired, there is mold in the bathroom and bedroom. Since David did not address the problem when he should have, he must rectify the resulting mould infestation.

Conclusion

Dealing with mould in rented properties can be a challenging experience for tenants. However, understanding the causes of mould, knowing your rights and responsibilities, and taking proactive steps to prevent mould growth can help maintain a healthy living environment.

Remember to communicate effectively with your landlord, and seek professional advice if necessary. By working together, you can help ensure that your rented property remains free from mould and other related issues, ensuring a comfortable and safe living space for all parties involved.

Can I Claim for Mould in my Private Rented Property?

At Housing Disrepair Experts we are here to help if things like rising damp occurs and its your landlord's responsibility. By sending us evidence of the damp problem in either photos or videos along with your tenancy agreement we can offer free advice on any claim.

If it has caused you any serious health problems then supported with medical information we can also help with any housing disrepair personal injury claim.