How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Rental Home

Mould infestations plague rental homes in the UK which is often due to inadequate heating and ventilation within the home. So we have created this guide to help you get rid of mould in your rental home once and for all!

Navigate our article on how to get rid of mould:

• How to look for mould before you rent a home
• What causes mould in your rental home?
• How to get rid of mould in your rental home
• What are the implications of mould in your rental home?
• What should your landlord do about the mould in your rental home?
• Video content

How to look for damp and mould before you rent a home🏡

Damp and mould can be a problem in any property, not just rentals, and it often only becomes apparent when it’s too late and you’ve signed the tenancy agreement. However, there are some red flags that you can look out for when you first view a rental property, which may help to notify you that the property has signs of dampness and mould

Look out for these things when looking for signs of damp and mould in a rental property:

• Discolouration and stains on walls, peeling paint, or wallpaper
• The presence of black mould on window seals, especially in the bedroom and bathroom
• Black mould on the ceiling and in the corners
• Excessive condensation, evidenced by streaming windows and mirrors
• Musty or damp odours
• Detection of a fresh paint smell, which may indicate attempts to conceal visible mould

What causes mould in your rental home? 🦠

Mould in your rental home is often a result of various factors working together to create the perfect breeding ground for pesky mould spores. Poor ventilation, high humidity levels from everyday activities like cooking and showering, or even a leaky pipe lurking behind the walls can all contribute to the build-up of mould in your rental home. Ever noticed condensation forming on your windows or walls? That’s another culprit. And sometimes it is just down to the lack of ventilation in your home.

Damp and mould are very common occurrences in UK rental properties and you may think there is no cure for it. However, by staying on top of things, you can keep mould at bay and create a healthier, happier living environment for you and your housemates

How to get rid of mould in your rental home 🧽

As a tenant, it’s essential to take steps to prevent mould from developing in your rental home. Ignoring it may result in being evicted by your landlord. However, simple measures such as proper ventilation by opening windows and doors, and adjusting heating appropriately can significantly reduce the risk. We’ve compiled a list of things you can do to get rid of mould in your rental property:

• Cover pans when cooking
• Use the kitchen extractor fan when cooking
• Keep the extractor fan on when having a shower
• Open windows whilst showering to let out the steam
• Leave gaps between furniture and walls to reduce moisture buildup
• Use a mould and mildew spray to remove patches of black mould
• Place dehumidifiers in the corners of rooms to catch moisture in the air
• If you can, dry clothes outside

Most of these are preventative measures that will help to get rid of the mould in your rental home, but there is always a chance that it could come back, so you may need to stay on top of cleaning your home regularly. You can use our 👉 monthly cleaning rota 👈 to split the chores up between you and your housemates

It’s also worth noting that while you, as the tenant, have duties to reduce the risk of mould buildup, landlords cannot impose unreasonable requests, such as drying clothes outside without adequate outdoor space. If your actions contribute to dampness and mould, it may be challenging to seek assistance from your landlord. They may attribute the issue to factors like drying clothes indoors, lack of ventilation, or inadequate temperature control. To avoid potential disputes in your tenancy agreement, it’s advisable to document any signs of mould and dampness. Keep a record of where mould is present, its response to weather conditions, effects of laundry, peak condensation periods, and average property temperature, and remember to take photographs for evidence!

What are the implications of mould in your rental home? 🏥

Mould in your rental home can have significant implications on both your health and the condition of the property. Beyond being displeasing to the eye, mould can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, particularly for those with asthma or allergies. Moreover, prolonged exposure to mould spores may lead to more severe health complications over time. From a property perspective, mould can cause structural damage, compromising the integrity of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Addressing mould promptly is crucial to prevent its spread and reduce potential health risks and property damage. If you suspect mould in your rental home, it’s essential to communicate with your landlord or property manager to initiate appropriate measures promptly. Remember, a healthy living environment is essential for your well-being and enjoyment of your rental space

What should your landlord do about the mould in your rental home? 🏡

Once you have identified that mould is present in your rental home you should contact your landlord or letting agent immediately and inform them. The UK government take mould very seriously and so should your landlord/letting agent. If they don’t take it seriously, you can complain and potentially claim compensation.

Once you have informed your landlord, you need to let them inspect the property. Agree upon a date and time for them to visit and if they cannot identify the cause of the mould, they may need to ask a damp surveyor. If these issues stem from a maintenance problem and pose risks to your health, safety, or the structural soundness of the property, they must address them ASAP.

Once the issue has been dealt with, your landlord may want to redecorate. You could even suggest they use anti-mould paint to prevent the mould from returning to your rental home

Watch the video version of this blog post 👇

If you’re more of a visual learner, watch our video about how to get rid of mould in your rental home 👇

Already sorted your house but need to set up bills? We can help with this too – we set up and split utilities for you. Get a free quote for your utilities here.