Almost half of all renters live in properties that are damp and mouldy or excessively cold. Mould is not only unsightly, but it can also cause serious health problems, primarily with the airways and lungs. Here, our expert housing disrepair solicitors answer the commonly asked question, ‘Who is responsible for mould in a rental property?’
At Bartletts, our housing disrepair solicitors have been assisting tenants living in substandard homes for over 20 years. We routinely resolve issues involving mould, damp, and other repair issues on excellent terms for our clients, giving them back the safe, comfortable living conditions they deserve.
To speak to our housing disrepair experts please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
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What Is Mould?
Mould is a fungus. It requires moisture to grow, so thrives in damp conditions, like in bathrooms and on window frames. Mould comes in several colours, namely black, green, white, grey, and brown.
What Problems Can Mould Cause?
Mould can cause a myriad of health issues because the spores are breathed into the lungs. Some of the most common include the following:
- Coughs.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Infections of the airways.
- Rhinitis.
- Bronchitis.
- Worsening of conditions such as asthma.
Certain groups are more at risk of developing serious health conditions through living with mould. For example, babies and young children tend to suffer more because of their small airways. People with existing respiratory conditions, like asthma, often find their symptoms worsen, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing severe infections.
Who Is Responsible For Mould – Landlord Or Tenant UK?
According to guidance issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, landlords are responsible for resolving mould in the properties they rent out. The guidance states that cases of damp and mould cannot be blamed on the tenant’s ‘lifestyle choices’. It is the landlord’s responsibility to identify and address the underlying causes of mould.
What Can You Do To Address Mould In A Rented Property?
Whilst mould in a rented property is the landlord’s responsibility, there are proactive steps you can take as a tenant to improve the issue until it is resolved by the landlord either voluntarily or following legal action. They include the following:
- Ventilating your home by opening windows regularly.
- Drying clothes outside rather than indoors.
- Leaving space between your furniture and external walls.
- Opening the bathroom window when showering.
- Covering pans when you are cooking.
- Keeping your windows and windowsills free of condensation by wiping them regularly.
- Using any extractor fans in your property.
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What Are Your Legal Rights If You Have Mould In Your Home?
As a tenant living with mould, you may be entitled to compensation. Before you can take legal action, though, you must give your landlord an opportunity to resolve the problem. If they fail to do so in a reasonable time, you should seek prompt legal advice from housing disrepair solicitors like ours.
The amount of compensation you will receive depends on several matters, including the following:
- The severity of the mould in your home.
- How long the problem has been ongoing.
- How much rent you pay for your property.
- Whether the mould caused you or your family any health issues.
- Whether the mould caused you financial loss. For example, if you had to use your heating more than you otherwise would have, you may be able to claim the difference between what your bills should have been and what they were. Other financial losses might include the cost of replacing any furniture or belongings damaged by the mould, or the cost of medical treatments for the health conditions caused by the mould.
How Can We Help Resolve Issues With Mould In Your Home?
You and your family are entitled to live in a safe, comfortable home, and your landlord is legally obliged to provide you with one. If, despite your requests, they fail to address the mould in your rental property, our specialist housing disrepair solicitors are ideally placed to help. Often, the involvement of solicitors focuses a landlord’s mind and persuades them to fix the mould problem as a priority to avoid legal proceedings. At the same time, we will demand payment of the compensation you deserve and use our excellent negotiating skills to secure the highest compensation amount possible.
Our housing disrepair solicitors pride themselves on being friendly, approachable, and providing the very highest service levels to everyone they represent. Clients note our ‘congenial’, ‘friendly’, and ‘cheerful’ demeanour, praise our efficient and proactive approach, and thank us for going ‘above and beyond’ to secure the best possible outcome.
To speak to our disrepair please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
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