Claiming Compensation for Mould in Your Rented Property: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is Your Rental Property Affected by Mould? Hold Your Landlord Accountable for Negligence

Tenants have the right to reside in a mould-free environment, and landlords are obligated to maintain a safe rental property. If you have been impacted by significant dampness resulting in mould growth within your rental unit, this guide can help you claim compensation from your landlord. Seek legal advice from our no win no fee housing solicitors for further assistance.

This concise guide provides you with all the necessary steps to rectify repairs in your home and handle mould issues. As you read on, you'll learn about the procedure to follow when reporting a neglectful landlord. Our team of exceptional housing disrepair solicitors is available to guide you through the process of claiming against your landlord for mould, with a detailed step-by-step approach.

What Is Mould?

Mould is a form of fungus that thrives in damp environments and can grow on various surfaces in and around your home, whether it's indoors or outdoors. It can appear on walls, ceilings, fabrics, wood, plastics, books, shelves, shoes, and even glass, anywhere that has had exposure to moisture.

Mould is a prevalent disrepair problem in the UK, and if left untreated, it can cause damage to your personal belongings as well as the external appearance of your home. Most disrepair claims made by tenants stem from untreated dampness in the property. If your personal property has been impacted by mould, seek out no win no fee solicitors for property damage compensation.

The responsibility of most repairs, including dampness and mould issues, falls on the landlord. However, some landlords may choose to ignore mould problems, which can have severe consequences for occupants. This is a common reason why tenants claim against their landlords for housing disrepair.

New Legislation For Mould And Damp

Everyone deserves to live in a home free of mould. If your landlord is responsible for the mould issue in your rental property but has failed to take action despite your complaints, you may have grounds to seek compensation. Contact us to find out if you are eligible to proceed with your mould claim.

The New Fitness for Human Habitation Act:

In 2019, a law was introduced that requires landlords to ensure their rental properties are suitable for human habitation for the entire duration of the tenancy. This legislation empowers tenants to sue a neglectful landlord if their property is deemed unsafe for occupancy.

Government to deliver Awaab’s Law:

The Social Housing Regulation Bill has been amended to include "Awaab's Law," which will impose strict time limits on social landlords to address and resolve dampness and mould issues.

This will be delivered by:
Crackdown on damp and mould under new legislation in memory of Awaab Ishak
Landlords must investigate and fix serious problems within strict time limits
New powers for Housing Ombudsman to help landlords improve performance, in amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill.

Common Problems That Result From Mould

Approximately 37% of rental properties in the UK, including social or council housing, suffer from mould and damp issues. If left untreated, severe mould problems can render a rented home completely unsafe to live in and have adverse effects on the health of its occupants.

Tenants can seek compensation for health issues resulting from mould or damp left untreated by a negligent landlord through housing disrepair claims. Mould spores can develop from issues such as:

• Broken pipes
• Leakages
• Condensation
• Vent problems
• Broken extractor fans

Common health problems caused by mould include:

• Allergies
• Respiratory problems such as asthma
• Infections
• Rashes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Irritations

To prevent mould growth, moisture must be controlled and sufficient ventilation should be maintained inside the rental property. Neglecting mould issues can not only harm one's physical health but also have a negative impact on a tenant's mental and emotional well-being.

Who Is Responsible For Mould In Your Rental Property?

Mould is a frequent problem in rented properties in the UK, often resulting from damp and condensation. However, who is responsible for dealing with mould issues in a rented apartment? According to the Housing Health and Safety Rating (HHSR), mould is a severe disrepair problem that can endanger the lives of tenants. Landlords are typically responsible for most repairs in their property, including issues with dampness and mould.

Ensuring your safety is your landlord's responsibility. If they have failed to do so, our experts can assess your home and document any issues that pose a threat to your health and safety. Contact us to see if you have a claim for compensation.

The landlord’s responsibility for mould in rental properties include:

• The landlord has a responsibility to ensure proper ventilation in the rental property.
• The landlord must maintain the roofs, drainage, and structural defects to prevent leakages that can lead to dampness.
• Landlords should regularly check all plumbing systems in the property to ensure they are in good working condition.
• The landlord should address any water damage issues promptly.
• Rusty window frames should be repaired by the landlord to prevent mould growth.
• The landlord must fix or replace any damaged damp proof course.
• Landlords are expected to take steps to improve the condensation of the apartment.
• Landlords are responsible for installing extractor fans before letting the property out to prospective tenants.

Mould: What You Can Or Can’t Claim For?

Are you living in a rental property that is suffering from mould and damp? If so, you may be entitled to compensation from your landlord for failing to meet their legal responsibilities. Our team can help you navigate the process of getting your landlord to address the mould issues in your home, and also seek compensation for any damage to your health and property.

According to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally responsible for fixing any structural defects that may cause issues with mould, such as leaky roofs or damaged damp proof courses. However, tenants may be held responsible if indoor condensation is caused by their behaviour, such as not adequately ventilating the property.

If you believe that your landlord is responsible for the mould in your home, get in touch with us today. We can assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action to take.

Tenants cannot hold their landlords responsible for mould caused by their lifestyle in the rented property. In fact, tenants can be held accountable for mould and damp issues if they fail to maintain indoor condensation due to poor ventilation, which can be caused by activities such as:

• leaving excess water on bathroom floors
• cooking without opening the vents
• taking hot showers without opening windows
• drying wet clothes indoors
• improper heating on cold days
• not leaving spaces between walls and furniture

It may be challenging to determine whether mould in a property is caused by poor ventilation from the tenant's lifestyle. To ascertain the cause of mould in a rental property, the landlord may need to engage the services of experts to carry out an inspection.

If the mould is not due to the tenant's fault, the landlord is expected to fix the damages and repair the affected areas. However, if the landlord fails to address the mould issue in the rented property, despite the tenant reporting it, our housing disrepair solicitors can offer the necessary legal support to resolve the situation.

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when taking legal action against your landlord for mould in the UK:

Landlord Responsibilities: Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their properties are fit for human habitation and free from hazards. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords have a legal duty to address mould issues and other forms of disrepair.

Tenant Responsibility: Tenants may be held responsible for mould and damp if it's caused by their actions, such as failing to properly ventilate the property. It's essential for tenants to maintain good hygiene practices and report any issues to the landlord as soon as possible.

Legal Assistance: If a landlord fails to address mould issues in a timely and effective manner, tenants may need to seek legal assistance to get the issue resolved. A housing disrepair solicitor can help tenants to file a claim and pursue compensation for any damages caused.

Expert Assessment: In some cases, it may be necessary to have an expert assessment conducted to determine the cause of mould in the property. This can help to establish whether the issue is the result of tenant behaviour or landlord negligence.

Compensation: If it can be proven that the landlord is responsible for the mould, tenants may be entitled to compensation for any losses or damages incurred. This can include reimbursement for expenses related to property damage or medical bills resulting from health issues caused by the mould.

Get No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair Support Today

Looking to take legal action against a negligent landlord in the UK for mould issues? Our team of experienced housing disrepair claims solicitors can help you. We work on a no win, no fee basis and offer a free assessment of your claim.

If you're eligible for compensation, we'll take on your case and fight for your rights as a tenant. Don't hesitate to reach out to our housing disrepair helpline for assistance in suing your landlord for mould in the UK. We are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal process.