Is Mould in a Rental Property a Landlords Responsibility?

Rental accommodation has improved significantly over the years, but mould in rented properties remains a persistent issue for both landlords and tenants. The challenge is that responsibility for preventing mould falls on both parties, often leading to finger-pointing instead of tackling the root cause.

So, who is responsible for dealing with mould in a rental property? Our team at The Letting Experts has put together this guide to help clarify the answers.

What Causes Mould?

Mould in rented property can have several different causes including penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation. The most frequently seen reason for mould developing in properties is, undoubtedly, condensation, but luckily, it’s also the easiest cause to address.

It’s trickier to resolve a rising damp problem, but fortunately, it is encountered far more rarely. Usually, this issue is found in older properties, however, new homes may also be affected, especially if they’ve recently had repair works carried out that could have caused damage to the damp proof course.

If your property suffers from rising damp, it’s likely to be the landlord's responsibility to resolve it, although if the tenants have interfered somehow with the damp proof course, it could be their responsibility to deal with.

If your property suffers from penetrating damp, its source must be found so the issue can be solved. Usually, it will be down to missing roof slates or leaking pipework – issues that are the landlord’s responsibility to rectify.

What Are The Tenant’s Responsibilities With Regard To Mould?

Tenants will need to keep any condensation inside the property to a minimum. If a faulty heating system or inadequate insulation is the cause of condensation, the landlord must take responsibility. Otherwise, condensation is something the tenants need to control by ensuring proper ventilation and temperature levels. They should follow these tips to reduce condensation and mould in rented property:

• Close the door of the bathroom when bathing or showering and open the window or use the extractor fan afterwards.
• Dry laundry outdoors whenever possible or utilise a dehumidifier.
• When cooking, cover pans with lids to prevent steam from escaping.
• Wipe wet windows down and keep them open for ten minutes each morning.
• Make sure furniture is 10cm-15cm away from the external walls to stop a microclimate forming.

What Are My Responsibilities As A Landlord With Regard To Mould In Rented Property?

If mould is affecting your tenant’s safety or health, or if it has occurred due to a property issue that can be repaired, it’s your responsibility as the landlord to rectify it. Landlords must ensure their property is fit for living in under the terms of the 2018 Homes (Fitness For Human Inhabitation) Act.

Some repairs you may need to carry out to resolve mould issues include:

• Repairing broken bathroom or kitchen extractor fans
• Fixing a faulty heating system
• Resolving guttering issues
• Repairing window frames that have rotted
• Fixing plumbing leaks
• Repairing roof problems
• Fixing large cracks in the external walls

What Next?

If you’re a landlord and you need advice, get in touch with The Letting Experts team today on 033 33 44 99 15 or email hello@thelettingexperts.co.uk.

In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about mould in rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mould In Rented Property