Mould in rental properties: A guide for landlords

Damp is the presence of excess moisture in a property.

Mould is a form of fungus that breaks down dead organic material.

Damp is caused by excess moisture in a building. It’s usually due to either condensation, or because of water intake from an external source – like a structural hole or burst pipe.

Mould is a form of fungus that breaks down dead organic material.Mould can be causes by several things: humidity, condensation, rising damp, or poor ventilation.

If damp is left untreated for long enough, it can become mould.

Damp typically manifests as wet patches and often has a musty smell.

Look out for:

• Wet walls, ceilings, and staining
• Condensation
• Peeling wallpaper and crumbling plaster
• A damp, musty smell
• Rising or penetrating damp
• Black mould

Mould is fairly easy to spot, often manifesting as dark stains or velvet-like patches on wooden surfaces. It can be dark green, brown, black or in some cases orange or white.

Look out for:

• Paint blistering on your walls
• Lumpy insulation
• Peeling wallpaper and crumbling plaster
• Soft spots on your floor (these often indication water damage, which is typically accompanied by mould)
• A damp, stale smell almost like wet paper Unexplained allergic reactions, worsening asthma, dizziness and excessive coughing are also all signs of a mould problem

Damp causes respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. If you’re exposed to damp for a prolonged period, it can lead to serious health issues.

Moulds cause allergic reactions, irritation, and sometimes toxic substances.

Inhaling or touching mould can cause sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. It can also cause asthma attacks.

Clean and dry out and internal walls, then use damp proofing wall paint in the worst affected areas.

Damp is treated by improving ventilation and repairing leaks.

Make sure you repair any damage on external and internal walls.

Remove any excess moss or leaves from roofs and gutters.

Improve the heating of the property where possible.

Before treating mould it’s important to clean up as much of it as you can.

Use dedicated mould removing products, or warm water with detergent, to clean away as much mould as you can.

Mould can be dangerous, so it’s vital you wear gloves and a face covering to do so.

Do not brush mould – this will release the spores into the air, which is highly dangerous.

Once any walls have been cleaned, paint them with anti-mould paint and allow it to dry thoroughly.

You may need several coves in the worst areas.

For smooth surfaces, such as bathroom tiles, sinks, showers etc – use a white vinegar, vodka, or alcohol solution to clean the area regularly. This will kill and deter mould growth in the most prone areas.

Damp can be prevented by ensuring all rooms have proper ventilation and are watertight.

Use dehumidifiers, fans, and damp-proofing measures.

Make sure all possible avenues for water entry – such as structural damage, holes, or cracks, are properly closed up before the cold, wet months arrive.

Open windows through your home to ventilate the space as much as possible – even in colder months!

Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed when in use.

Activities such as the use of ovens and tumble dryers, or baths and showers, produce a lot of heat.

Trapping this head causes condensation. Clean fabrics, like couches and carpets, regularly.

Use dehumidifiers in damp-prone rooms.