How to Tackle Damp in Rented Housing
Mould can cause health problems to tenants and damage to your property, so it is vital you stay on top of any issues and advise your tenants on how to keep the property free of damp.
Moulds thrive in damp conditions and grow on walls and ceilings, with the most common cause of damp in most homes being condensation, caused when warm air released when cooking or bathing comes into contact with cool surfaces.
Mould can also be cause by tenants drying washing indoors without proper ventilation.
What do I need to do?
Before a tenant moves into a property, the landlord should take time to look around. If patches of mould are visible or there’s a musty smell in cupboards or bedrooms, then the chances are that there is an underlying damp problem, and this should be resolved before anyone moves into the property.
What do my tenants need to do?
Tenants should be advised 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
What happens if my tenants report mould?
It is important to act quickly if you discover mould growing. If it is less than a square metre in size, you can easily deal with it yourself, but if the affected area is much larger – if it has grown behind a wardrobe, for example, a professional will likely have to deal with the problem.
How do I tackle it?
When cleaning mould, wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent inhaling spores. A cloth and soapy water can be used to remove the mould from the surface – for persistent mould problems, try using a mould cleaner, which can be found in most supermarkets.
Once you have finished cleaning the mould away, dispose of any cloths used and wash clothing to prevent mould from being carried around the rest of the house.
What to Do Next
As a landlord, you have a duty to ensure that your home is fit for habitation and to prevent any health risks to your tenants. If you have concerns about damp proble, you can request to arrange a damp survey on the property to identify the cause and put in place an effective solution. Our local specialists can provide advice and assistance on what can be done to improve condensation, damp, and mould problems in the property.
