Who is responsible for mould in rental property?
Mould is a problem in many homes across the UK, and the topic becomes even more complicated when it comes to rental properties. Who is responsible for solving mould in rental property – the landlord or the tenant? Read on…
The responsibility for addressing mould in rental property tends to be split between the tenant and the landlord. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by local authorities to assess potential hazards in residential properties, including mould.
Landlords are required to address risks identified by the HHSRS, with failure to do so possibly leading to fines or other penalties.
However, It’s not always black and white when it comes to responsibility. It depends on the source of the mould: if it’s due to a leak from the roof or pipes, then the landlord is responsible for fixing it.
But if the mould is caused by those renting the property, such as not ventilating properly, having a lot of items in one room, then you, the tenant would be responsible.
But if the mould is caused by those renting the property, such as not ventilating properly, having a lot of items in one room, then you, the tenant would be responsible.
What can tenants do to prevent mould?
For any good tenant, it is important to do your part to keep mould away in your rental property. Ventilating damp areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms by ensuring the extractor fans are switched on, keeping trickle vents on windows open and extractor fan vents clear of obstructions, and shutting doors during and after cooking and showering, to prevent steam from circulating inside the property.
If possible, you should also avoid hanging wet clothes out indoors and putting them over things like radiators. Doing so can cause condensation, which increases humidity levels and creates mould. Regularly cleaning the flat and ensuring there’s a good airflow also goes a long way to stopping mould growing.
Other tips for preventing mould in rental property
- Use an appropriate cleaning product at regular intervals
- Keep lids on pans & always use an extractor fan when cooking or showering
- Run a reasonable amount of heating in your home
- Ensure vents on UPC windows are open & leave them open
- Ensuring furniture isn’t preventing air flow – keep chairs and sofa’s away from walls and radiators
- Tell your landlord or letting agent as soon as you spot mould – this way you can work together to shift it.
If you feel your landlord or letting agent isn’t responding and you’re worried about mould, keep records of any mould issues you encounter, including photographs and written documentation of the problem. That way, you can establish responsibility and have a clearer idea about the next action.
It is in both the landlord’s and tenant’s best interest to address mould as soon as possible. In the worst-case scenario, mould can have serious health effects and damage the property if not handled quickly.
What can landlords do to prevent mould in rental property?
Landlords can take several steps to prevent mould from developing in rental properties, such as addressing leaks and water damage as soon as it occurs. They should also ensure the property has proper ventilation, as it helps prevent mould from occurring in the first place.
Doing so also helps stop condensation from building up on surfaces and lowers humidity levels. Therefore, it may also be worth insulating the property, which helps to keep it warm and dry.
A good landlord will be responsive to tenant concerns over mould and address issues as quickly as possible to avoid the problem worsening.
What can landlords do to prevent mould in rental property?
If you rent an older property, the likelihood of mould occurring at some stage increases. But by regularly maintaining the home and contacting the landlord as soon as any issues appear (especially if it’s not your own doing), you can minimise the impact of mould and keep the property in excellent living condition.
