It’s a problem most of us have had or unfortunately might have - what to do if the property you’re living in has a damp or mould issue.
What is mould?
Mould occurs when a property is suffering from a damp issue - there are actually over 10 different types of damp. According to the survey carried out by the Housing Ombudsman Spotlight the top 4 causes of damp and mould are: condensation, ventilation, leaks and structural issues.
Some of the common reasons for damp and mould.
Condensation
Condensation happens when moisture in the air lands on cold surfaces causing water droplets to form which can result in mould growth.
Common signs of condensation include:
Patches of black mould around walls or windows or behind furniture where air circulation is poor.
Damp walls.
Water droplets on window or door frames.
Penetrating damp
Penetrating damp occurs when there is a leak or structural issue at the property. This could be from the roof or from an external wall. Periods of wet weather will highlight any building issues that need fixing. Again, you are likely to see water stain damage on the walls, and may well see wallpaper and plaster peeling as a result.
Rising damp
Rising damp can be difficult to deal with and occurs when moisture beneath a building is soaked up into the bricks or concrete. This will leave water stains on the wall and tends to be more common in older buildings and may require a damp proof course to fix.
Is the landlord or tenant responsible for fixing the damp issue?
It’s important to state if you do see an issue with damp or mould you should contact your landlord immediately and look to get the issues identified and resolved.
If condensation or mould is not treated then it can cause illness or in severe cases lead to death. A list of things to watch out for are listed below and these may help avoid some issues of damp and mould where it is as a result of condensation.
How to avoid common causes of condensation.
Condensation can occur from everyday activities like cooking, boiling a kettle, or drying clothes inside the house.
Open your windows
Air needs to circulate, so do open those windows for a few minutes each day (even if it’s cold outside) to let some fresh air into the room.
Using extractor fans
When you’re cooking it’s a must to turn on the extractor fan - it’s to help extract moisture from your cooking. The same applies when having a shower - use the extractor fan, and if there isn’t one, always open the windows to allow some air in.
Avoid drying clothes directly on a radiator
A common cause of condensation is drying wet or damp clothes directly on a radiator. When hot meets cold is it the perfect recipe for condensation. Ideally, dry your clothes outside but when that is not possible or practical, use a clothes horse to hang your clothes on and allow ventilation into the room - for example, open the windows slightly.
Keeping the house heated
Ensuring the property doesn’t get too cold will also help reduce condensation. Keeping the temperature at around at least 16 degrees Celsius / 60 degrees Fahrenheit will help keep condensation away.
Cleaning mould caused by condensation
If you do find mould issues due to condensation it’s important that, when cleaning, you remove it all, and not just some of it. Some top tips on cleaning mould due to condensation can be found here.
Awaab's Law - Social Housing
Awaab’s Law is a new regulation mandating social housing landlords to address health hazards in their properties within strict timeframes:
Investigation: Landlords must investigate reported hazards within 14 days.
Reporting: A written report outlining the hazard, proposed solution, and timeline for repairs must be provided within 14 days.
Repairs: If a hazard poses a significant risk to tenants' health or safety, repairs must commence within 7 days.
Emergency Repairs: Urgent repairs must be completed within 24 hours.
Alternative Accommodation: If repairs cannot be completed on time, landlords must offer alternative housing.
Record Keeping: Landlords are required to maintain records of all communications between tenants and contractors.
This law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in social housing. Awaab’s Law is part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.
Extending Awaab's Law and the Private Rental Sector.
There are plans to extend Awaab’s Law so that it also covers the Private Rental Sector under The Renters’ Rights Bill that the Labour government is working on. This is likely to become law in 2025.
Reporting a damp problem
Landlords do have a legal requirement to keep a home fit for living and free from serious hazards. Therefore if you spot a damp issue, make sure you let your landlord know as soon as possible.
It is likely that landlord intervention will be required to fix the issue so don’t delay in raising the issue as damp and mould isn’t just unsightly, it’s also a potential health issue.
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Remember the information provided in this article is for information purposes only and should not be considered as advice.
