In most cases, landlords are responsible for dealing with mould.
UK landlords commit to providing safe, hospitable housing, part of which is making sure the property is structurally sound, well-ventilated and free of toxic mould. While tenants must keep properties clean and well looked after, landlords have specific responsibilities when it comes to keeping their tenants safe.
We know that being a landlord can feel like juggling hundreds of responsibilities at a time. That’s why, at J Property Management London we make it easy. We provide expert property management for hundreds of landlords across London and the UK – helping them remain legally compliant and making sure their properties are well-maintained throughout the year. If you’re a landlord, let us help you – contact our team today to see how we can lighten your load.
When Are Landlords Responsible For Mould?
Landlords are usually responsible for any mould issues in rental properties, especially if it is impacting the tenant’s comfort or health.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to fix any mould caused by:
- Water seeping in from outside (e.g. leaks or through gaps in windows)
- Structural issues on the property’s exterior (e.g. blocked gutters, cracked walls or rotten window frames)
- Poor ventilation or insulation
- Broken boilers
- Issues with the pipes or drainage
- Missing roof tiles
- Faulty installation or issues with landlord-provided appliances.
Landlords will also be responsible for any extractor fans that they have installed as mould can often result from poor ventilation.
Once any repairs have been carried out, it is the landlord’s responsibility to check if the mould has returned at least 6 weeks later.
When Would A Tenant Be Responsible For Mould?
A tenant has certain responsibilities when it comes to mould including:
- Reporting any mould or damp to the landlord as soon as possible
- Facilitating access to the home for regular inspections and any repair work
- Taking steps to reduce condensation from their side.
Tenants can help to take preventative steps for the development of mould by managing condensation. They can do this through:
- Proper ventilation – opening windows, closing bathroom doors after showering and employing extractor fans can all help with ventilation in the home.
- Avoiding humidity – tenants can avoid humidity in the home by drying clothes outside (where possible), using covered pots when cooking or purchasing a dehumidifier.
- Adequate heating – by keeping the home adequately heated, tenants can decrease humidity, prevent condensation from happening and remove moisture in the air which could encourage mould growth.
How Can You Tell Where The Mould Came From?
To know who is responsible for dealing with mould, you’ll need to know where the mould comes from.
Structural Issues
Mould can come from structural issues such as gaps or cracks in the brickwork or loose roof tiles – all of which allow entry for water and damp to penetrate. This is usually indicated by damp patches accompanying the mould. If this is the case, landlords may need to get structural repairs carried out on the house.
Condensation
Condensation is the main cause of mould and can happen when moisture or excess humidity in the air comes into contact with a cold surface (like a wall or window).
Landlords will need to check any structural defects or implement changes to improve the ventilation in the house e.g. install an extractor fan.
Tenants also have responsibilities when it comes to condensation including opening windows regularly, covering pans while cooking, closing the bathroom door during and after showering, regularly cleaning windows and drying clothes outside or in a dryer. If tenants take these steps, landlords cannot argue that the tenant’s lifestyle is what caused the mould.
If there are condensation problems in the property, the landlord can ask the tenant to take reasonable action to reduce it (like those listed above). However, they cannot ask them to paint over recurring mould or stop basic everyday things like showering or cooking in the property. Landlords can also never assume that the mould has come from condensation – they must carry out an inspection.
How Can You Tell If Mould Is Serious?
Mould might be serious if the tenant has extended respiratory symptoms (like irritated skin, coughing or wheezing) or if the home has noticeable black patches of mould, water damage or damp patches or has a strong musty smell. If any of these things are present, it could suggest mould and a potential health risk for tenants.
What Does Awaab’s Law Mean For Mould In Rentals?
Awaab’s Law is part of UK legislation requiring landlords to act quickly on damp and mould issues in the interest of tenant safety. While it currently only applies to social housing landlords, not private rentals, it is expected to come into action for the private sector too.
Named after Awaab Ishak, a toddler who tragically died after extended mould exposure caused a respiratory condition, the law has increased the urgency of dealing with mould in a timely manner. Landlords must investigate any reports of mould and complete emergency repairs within a fixed deadline.
What Should Tenants Do If They Find Mould?
If tenants find mould, they must inform their landlord as soon as possible (in writing). They’ll also need to provide evidence including photos. As tenants have a right to live in a safe and habitable home, the landlord should take these claims seriously and investigate the mould as soon as possible.
Tenants will need to give the landlord access to their home to do this. The landlord will then need to action any repairs or changes in a timely manner. If the landlord doesn’t take action, it is within the tenants’ rights to reach out to local authorities or citizens bureaus.
Keeping Tenants Safe With J Property Management
As a landlord, your main responsibility is to keep your tenants in a safe and habitable environment. This is not always easy and there are many landlord responsibilities to stay on top of. Luckily, at J Property Management we can help. We’re the trusted partner of hundreds of UK landlords, helping them to follow protocol, stay legally compliant and carry out regular maintenance and repair to keep their tenants happy and safe.
Contact us today to see how we can help you level up as a landlord.
