How to Tackle Damp and Mould in Your Home: Advice for Homeowners and Tenants

Risks of Damp and Mould in the UK

Damp and mould are common issues in the UK due to the frequently wet and cold climate. They can occur in homes for various reasons, such as condensation, leaks, poor ventilation, or rising damp.

If left untreated, damp and mould can have serious consequences for both property and health.

What are the Health Impacts of Damp and Mould?

Damp environments provide ideal conditions for mould growth, and prolonged exposure to mould spores can lead to a range of health issues. Some of the most common problems include:

• Respiratory Infections: Mould spores can irritate the respiratory system, causing bronchitis and sinusitis. People with compromised immune systems or existing conditions like asthma are at higher risk.
• Worsening of Asthma Symptoms: Individuals with asthma may experience increased symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath when exposed to damp and mould.
• Allergic Reactions: Mould spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes.
• Development of Respiratory Conditions: Prolonged exposure may lead to new respiratory conditions, even in previously healthy individuals.
• Worsening of Chronic Conditions: People with chronic conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), may experience exacerbated symptoms when exposed to mould or damp conditions.
• Mental Health Impacts: Living in damp, mouldy conditions can also negatively affect mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, especially if a tenant feels unable to resolve the issue.

What are the Causes of Damp and Mould?

Common causes of damp and mould include:

• Condensation: This is the most common cause of damp in the UK, occurring when moist air meets a cold surface such as a window, wall, or ceiling. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation can increase moisture levels in the air.
• Rising Damp: This occurs when groundwater rises through walls or floors due to the failure of a damp-proof course. It is a serious issue and can lead to long-term structural damage.
• Penetrating Damp: This happens when water leaks through walls, roofs, or windows, typically as a result of structural damage or cracks in the building’s exterior.
• Leaks: Plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes or a faulty roof, can also cause damp, which may eventually lead to mould growth.

How to Prevent and Combat Damp and Mould in Your Home?

Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, there are several proactive steps you can take to combat or reduce damp and mould in your home:

Ventilation

• Open Windows Regularly: Proper ventilation is essential in reducing moisture levels. Open windows, especially in rooms where moisture levels are high (e.g., kitchens and bathrooms).
• Use Extractor Fans: Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens have extractor fans that are used during and after activities that generate steam, such as cooking or bathing.
• Trickle Vents: Ensure windows are fitted with trickle vents that can help maintain constant air circulation even when the windows are closed.

Moisture Control

• Dry Clothes Outside: Avoid drying clothes indoors, as this significantly increases moisture levels. If unavoidable, use a vented tumble dryer or a dehumidifier.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Regularly wipe down windows and cold surfaces that accumulate condensation to prevent moisture build-up.
• Use Dehumidifiers: These can help in rooms where damp is a recurring problem, as they extract moisture from the air.

Insulation and Heating

• Proper Insulation: Ensuring that walls, windows, and lofts are properly insulated can help keep your home warm, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming.
• Consistent Heating: Try to maintain a consistent level of warmth throughout the home, as fluctuating temperatures can lead to condensation. Even heating is especially important in rooms that are typically cooler, such as basements or north-facing rooms.

Structural Repairs

• Fix Leaks: Ensure that any leaks, whether from plumbing or the roof, are dealt with promptly. Leaking pipes, roofs, and gutters can all contribute to damp.
• Check Exterior Walls: Make sure the property’s exterior is in good condition and repair any cracks or damage to the masonry to prevent penetrating damp.

Regular Cleaning

• Clean Mould Safely: If mould has already formed, clean it using appropriate mould removal solutions, such as those containing fungicidal or anti-mould agents. Always wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling spores.

Can I Claim Against My Landlord for Damp and Mould Issues?

If you are a tenant and your landlord has failed to address damp and mould issues within a reasonable time, you may have grounds to make a claim.

The law requires landlords to provide tenants with safe and habitable accommodation, which includes addressing structural issues like damp and mould.

Legal Responsibilities of Landlords

Under various legislation, including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are legally required to:

• Ensure that the property is free from hazards, including damp and mould, at the start of the tenancy and throughout its duration.
• Address any necessary repairs to prevent or resolve damp or mould that is not caused by the tenant’s actions (such as insufficient ventilation or drying clothes indoors).

Failure to do so can lead to legal action.

Steps to Take If Your Landlord Fails to Act

If your landlord has not addressed the problem, you can take the following steps:

1. Report the Problem in Writing: Notify your landlord of the issue in writing, clearly explaining the extent of the damp or mould. Provide evidence, such as photographs, and give them a reasonable amount of time to respond (usually 14 days).
2. Keep Records: Document all communication with your landlord, including any responses, actions taken, and delays. This will be crucial if you decide to take legal action.
3. Engage Local Authorities: If your landlord refuses to act, you can report the issue to your local council’s Environmental Health Department. They may conduct an inspection under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which assesses potential hazards in a property.
4. File a Claim in Court: If the issue persists, you can bring a claim in the County Court for damages and ask the court to compel the landlord to carry out the necessary repairs. Compensation can be sought for:
   • Health Issues: If you or your family have suffered health problems as a result of the damp and mould.
   • Damage to Property: If your belongings have been damaged by damp or mould.
   • Reduced Rent: You may be entitled to claim compensation for living in substandard conditions.
5. Legal Aid and Advice: You may be eligible for legal aid to cover legal costs if you qualify under the financial criteria. Alternatively, Phoenix Legal offers “no win, no fee” services, making it easier for you to pursue your housing disrepair claims without the financial burden.

Landlord Defences

Landlords can defend against claims by arguing that the damp or mould was caused by tenant behaviour, such as failing to ventilate the property or allowing condensation to build up. Therefore, tenants must ensure they are taking reasonable steps to mitigate the issue.

Protecting Your Health and Rights

Damp and mould can have severe health and property impacts. It is essential to take steps to prevent these issues in the home through proper ventilation, moisture control, and timely repairs. If you are renting and your landlord fails to address the issue, there are clear legal avenues to ensure the property is brought up to standard. By keeping thorough records and taking the necessary steps, tenants can protect themselves and their health.

Our team has secured compensation for our clients; more importantly, we have ensured that repairs are completed so that our clients do not continue to suffer.

For advice and support, get in touch with our team at Phoenix Legal at 0151 306 3694. Alternatively, email ab@phoenixlegalsolicitors.co.uk or submit your contact details on our contact page.

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