Beginning of the tenancy
Landlords should check the property for signs of mould before the tenant moves in. If there are signs of mould, then it is likely that there will be an underlying damp problem in the property.
During the tenancy
Tenants have a duty to ‘act in a tenant like manner’, and if there is mould/damp in the property, then you should advise the tenants to:
- Ensure that pan lids are used when cooking
- Close the bathroom and kitchen doors when they are in use
- Avoid drying clothes indoors and on radiators
However, you as the landlord have a responsibility to ensure that the property is fit for human habitation and to prevent any health risks to your tenants.
Therefore, it is important to act quickly if you discover mould growing in the property. There can be serious health consequences for inhabitants who are exposed to mould, such as increased likelihood of allergies, asthma, and infections. This is especially serious for children and elderly tenants.
If a tenant reports mould in the property, you should arrange an inspection of the property to determine the cause of the mould and, where necessary, ensure repairs are made. If you do not provide an adequate response within 14 days, then the tenant could contact the local authority, so it’s vital to arrange an inspection and repairs as soon as possible.
If the mould is less than a square metre in size you can easily deal with it yourself, but if the affected area is much larger, then a professional will likely have to deal with the problem.
If you have removed the mould and still have concerns about a damp problem, you can arrange a damp survey on the property to identify the cause and put in place an effective solution.
Information on this site is by way of general guidance only and may not apply in your particular circumstances. You should not act or refrain from acting upon information on this site without seeking independent legal advice.