Understanding Mould Issues in Rental Properties: A Guide for Landlords.
Rental accommodation standards have improved significantly over the years. However, mould can remain a persistent issue that both landlords and tenants continue to face. The challenge often lies in determining who is responsible for tackling mould, as both parties can share the responsibility in some capacity.
What Causes Mould in Rental Properties?
Mould can arise from several different factors in rental properties, including rising damp, and condensation. The most common cause of mould in properties is condensation, which thankfully is the easiest to address.
On the other hand, rising damp, though rarer, can be more challenging to resolve, and is typically found in older properties. For penetrating damp, the source needs to be identified and rectified, often involving issues like leaking roof slates or defective plumbing which falls under the landlord’s responsibility.
Tenant Responsibilities in Preventing Mould:
Tenants have an important role to play in controlling condensation within the property and can manage condensation through good ventilation and temperature control. Here are some simple steps tenants should follow to reduce the risk of mould:
• Keep bathroom doors closed when showering, and use the extractor fan or open the window afterwards.
• Dry laundry outdoors when possible or use a dehumidifier indoors.
• When cooking, cover pans to prevent steam from escaping.
• Wipe down wet windows and open them wide for 10-15 minutes each morning to replace the humid air in the property.
• Keep furniture 10-15cm away from external walls to prevent damp buildup behind furniture.
Landlord Responsibilities in Tackling Mould:
Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that the property remains safe and habitable. If mould is affecting the health or safety of tenants or arises due to an issue that can be fixed, it is the landlords duty to address this.
Some repairs that might be necessary to combat mould include:
• Fixing broken extractor fans in kitchens or bathrooms.
• Repairing faulty heating systems.
• Addressing issues with guttering, roof leaks, or plumbing.
• Repairing rotting window frames or large cracks in external walls.
Awaab’s Law and How It Connects to the Renters’ Rights Bill
The recent introduction of Awaab’s Law further strengthens landlords’ responsibilities when it comes to maintaining safe living conditions, particularly with respect to mould. Named after Awaab Ishak, whose tragic death was linked to mould in his rental property, the law mandates that landlords must act quickly to resolve reports of damp and mould, ensuring tenants live in properties that are free from health risks.
This law ties directly into the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is designed to increase tenant protection and ensure that rental properties meet specific standards. With the Renters’ Rights Bill potentially abolishing Section 21 notices and requiring more rigorous property conditions, landlords must stay on top of maintaining properties to meet these standards. The law underscores the importance of acting promptly and responsibly when issues like mould are raised by tenants.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re a landlord facing mould issues in your property or need further guidance on the responsibilities outlined above, get in touch with us at Mundys. We’re here to ensure you navigate these challenges smoothly, help you stay compliant with the latest regulations, and keep your property safe and habitable for tenants.