My rented house is full of mould – what are my rights?

My rented house is full of mould – what are my rights?

If your home has a mould problem and you’ve complained to your landlord about the issue, they may have blamed you for the state of your home. Whether your landlord is telling you to put the heating on more often or they’re accusing you of not opening the windows often enough, learning about your rights can be an important step to address the issue.

How to identify the cause of mould

If your landlord’s not sorting mould issues in your property, it can understandably feel frustrating. But if you’ve not already done so, it’s wise to rule out behavioural causes of mould before escalating the situation.

Often, mould can be resolved by heating the property appropriately, opening windows regularly, using extractor fans and refraining from drying clothes on radiators. However, if you already do these things, this may be a sign that the property is ill-equipped to deal with the demands that regular day-to-day life places on it.

Condensation

The biggest cause of damp is condensation. Condensation occurs when the temperature hits a level called ‘dew point’ and excess moisture in the air causes water droplets to form inside the property.

Rising damp

Rising damp occurs when water from below a building rises up through bricks and mortar. This can be the result of waterproof materials in the building’s wall failing to do its job. If rising damp isn’t addressed, mould can occur.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp is caused by structural failures such as inadequate guttering that allows water to seep into the property.

What are tenants’ rights about mould?

Tenants have a number of rights when renting a property and one of these demands that their home is free from mould.

Landlords have a legal responsibility to tackle damp issues, as set out in Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The Act states that the “structure and exterior of the dwelling-house” as well as “the supply of water, gas and electricity” and “heating and heating water” need to be kept in working order.

Can I sue my landlord for mould problems?

If your home has mould problems that are out of your control and your landlord has failed to fix the problem, it may be possible to take them to court. Suing your landlord may sound like an intimidating process, but if your landlord is failing to ensure your home meets legal requirements, they’re putting your health and safety at risk.

How to claim against landlord for mould

If you’re fairly confident that the mould isn’t caused by behaviours that can easily be changed (such as opening windows and using extractor fans), it may be time to contact solicitors with experience of housing disrepair claims. They’ll assess the problem before deciding whether it’s worth pursuing a case against your landlord.

To claim against your landlord for mould, please get in touch with our team of solicitors today. We have extensive experience and understand that claiming against your landlord can be an intimidating experience. We’re here to put your mind at ease and we’ll guide you through the whole process to help you claim the housing disrepair compensation you deserve.

In many cases, no win, no fee housing disrepair claims can be made. This means that if no action is taken and it’s not possible to sue your landlord, you won’t have to pay any legal fees.