Landlord Responsibilities for Mould Prevention

Landlord Responsibilities for Mould Prevention

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Mould is a common issue in many homes, and it can pose significant health risks to tenants as well as cause damage to the property. In the UK, landlords have specific responsibilities to prevent and address mould in their rental properties. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment for tenants.

Landlord Legal Obligations

UK landlords are subject to several regulations to ensure their properties are free from damp and mould. Key legislation includes:

Housing Act 2004: This act requires landlords to ensure their properties are free from hazards, including damp and mould, which can affect the health and safety of tenants.

Environmental Protection Act 1990: This act mandates that landlords must not allow their properties to become prejudicial to health or a nuisance due to damp and mould.

Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: This act requires landlords to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, which includes being free from damp and mould.

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Section 11 of this act obligates landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair, which includes addressing issues that can lead to damp and mould.

Preventing mould in rental homes

It is important for landlords to take proactive steps to manage and reduce the levels humidity levels to stop condensation and ultimately prevent mould.  Ensuring proper ventilation of the property is a key part of this.

Regular inspections of the property are important in finding early signs of damp or mould before it can become a problem. Within these checks, landlords should look for any leaks that may cause patches of saturation from penetrating damp to occur. Additionally, checking for condensation and poorly ventilated areas is important to stop condensation damp from getting a foothold.

Any structural issues should be repaired as soon as possible after notification. This may include issues such as leaking roofs, windows, or pipes, which can lead to damp and mould.

Adequate ventilation systems must be installed. This includes extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. These reduce the amount of humidity that can build up through activities such as cooking and cleaning and stop condensation. Tenants should be advised to avoid drying clothes indoors and keep windows open, when possible, to improve the airflow in the property.

Responding to Mould Issues

When mould is reported, landlords must act quickly and effectively to address the problem. The steps include:

Assess the Situation: Respond sensitively and assess the severity of the mould issue. Identify the underlying cause, whether it is due to structural issues, leaks, or tenant lifestyle.

Professional Cleaning: Use qualified professionals to remove mould safely and effectively. Ensure that the affected areas are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Address Underlying Causes: Fix any structural issues or leaks that are contributing to the mould problem. Improve ventilation and take steps to reduce humidity levels.

Once the problem has been addressed, the issue should be documented and include information about the steps taken to resolve it. This is required for legal compliance and helps to identify any recurring problems and deal with issues more quickly in the future.

Find out more

Preventing mould in rental properties is a critical responsibility for UK landlords. By understanding and adhering to legal obligations, conducting regular inspections, maintaining the property, and educating tenants, landlords can create a safe and healthy living environment. If you have discovered persistent issues with mould in your properties, our local ventilation specialists can help. Book a survey of your properties to get advice about how you can stop mould problems for good.