Companies House Registration Number: 09902749. Our solicitors can help you assess the issues in your home by sending over an expert before getting started with your claim, to help you get the compensation and repairs that need. Find out more, View our coronavirus (COVID-19) housing advice. Your landlord should fix your damp or mould issue if it's either: You are expected to properly ventilate and heat your home so that damp doesn't build up. A survey of 4,500 tenants on behalf of Shelter and British Gas found that almost half had lived in a property with damp, mould or both in the past year.. If black mould is growing in your home you must be extra careful. If your landlord is responsible, yet fails to repair any damage to your home, we can help. Penetrating damp is caused by leaks that allow water into the property, causing surface mould growth. Drying clothes in unsuitable areas may also be impacting the experience renters … Some buildings, for example older properties, are more vulnerable to rising damp. By sharing your story, you're helping spread the message of what we do so that we can help even more people. The main causes of mould include; water leaks, penetrating or rising damp, wet or damp basements or crawl spaces, condensation, excessive water vapour or steam being generated through cooking, washing, bathing, showering and clothes drying, inadequate ventilation and/or heating. Dealing with damp and mould in your rented home. What causes mould to grow in the first place? This is why it’s vital that any causes of damp and mould in a property are fixed promptly. Our first step will be to send an expert to your home to assess how bad the mould and damp problem is. In terms of general prevention, you should ensure that the roof, guttering and drains are all kept in good working order, particularly after heavy rain, storms or snow. Rising dampness generally occurs in older houses as a result of groundwater rising up through the walls and floors. Whilst some Landlord do "blame the victim" the fact that you have been there for such a short time does suggest there is an inherent problem with the property. Damp also occurs when water beneath the house rises through the building’s bricks and mortar, usually due to a problem with the property’s damp coursing (a layer of waterproof material within the walls, which is supposed to prevent damp from spreading). Mould can grow in your bathroom, kitchen, cluttered storage areas, wall and roof spaces and behind furniture. 455, Award-winning service in our fields of expertise, Repairs to the structure and exterior of the property; including walls, floors, window frames, drains and pipes, Keep your house adequately heated to avoid walls getting too cold, Dry washing and towels outside when this is possible, Open your bathroom window after showering or taking a bath and ventilate all other areas in the house for at least 15 minutes each day, Keep your kitchen fan on when you are cooking, Keep large appliances and furniture an inch away from the walls to avoid tight spots that could accumulate damp and cause mould without it being noticed, Use mould cleaner to remove any mould immediately if it does occur. Our team of experts are always on hand to give you support when you need it. Landlord Responsibilities For Mould & Damp. Letting fresh air in and heating a property properly is crucial when thinking about the prevention of mould growth on cold wall surfaces and stopping damp from becoming a problem. We cannot assist you if you are in a private rental. If your social landlord hasn’t addressed the mould and damp problem in your home, you should seek tailored advice from our housing disrepair solicitors. We pride ourselves in offering the highest standards of service across each of our legal departments. Rising damp often contains salts which will damage the wall from within, meaning the wall needs to be repaired before any cosmetic work can be done. When rain penetrates the masonry of the building, problems can start to occur on both the inside and outside. Your landlord is responsible for keeping you safe. It is a type of fungus which is black in colour and spreads across materials such as paint, wallpaper and plaster. Mould requires moisture and warmth to grow and is often found in damp, warm areas. Condensation is the most common cause of damp in rented properties. If you are a social or council housing tenant we can support you with your housing disrepair claim. We used AWH for conveyancing. If you are living in social housing and you have been suffering from damp and/or mould in your home that your landlord has failed to address, then yes, you are likely able to claim for compensation. Please be aware that we unfortunately currently do not take on private renting disrepair cases. Damp and mould growth is a potentially serious hazard that could lead to health issues for the tenant Not only is damp and mould growth a potentially serious hazard that … We promise to listen to your needs and offer the right guidance for your situation. Universal Square, Building 5 5th Floor, Then we can help. Can I claim compensation for mould and damp? Condensation. Inside you will probably see mould forming, plaster blistering and sometimes floorboards showing signs of rot. We believe everyone should live in a safe home, free from structural damage, mould and damp. This is sometimes called 'acting in a tenant like manner'. Damp and mould. What health issues can … Every case is handled with the highest level of respect and many of our clients go on to recommend us after building an invaluable relationship with our solicitors. If you don’t keep your home aired out enough and mould or damp develops, we wouldn’t be able to help you start a claim against your landlord. If we find that you home has an unsafe amount damp and mould, we can help you make a claim. But there are more changes planned for … The true cause of condensation-based mould growth is often complex and a combination of things. One Cathedral Square, Blackburn BB1 1FB It appears when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window or a cold wall. If the damp in your home is harmful to your health or is a nuisance, then it may be a statutory nuisance. If it's a repair issue such as a broken damp proof course your landlord should fix it. From a legal perspective, if a damp diagnosis suggests rising or penetrating damp as the cause, it is down to the property’s structure. The dedication and professionalism ensured a timely completion despite uncertain times. UK legislation states that maintenance and repair of structural and exterior damage are the landlord’s responsibility. They can create or worsen breathing problems, infections and allergies. Damp and mould in council property or other rented homes can be a major concern for tenants. 88 Old Street, London, EC1V 9HU Our excellent reputation is built on our exceptional level of client care. Damp and mould can cause serious health issues and worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma and allergies. Condensation is the most common form of damp in rented properties. Sometimes it's easy to spot the cause of damp. Mould and damp is estimated to affect 37 per cent of rented properties in the UK. We promise to provide you with total transparency on fees, so you know exactly what you are paying for. It’s fairly easy to spot, as it leaves clear damp marks on your walls travelling upwards. 4.8 out of Respiratory conditions are common after regular exposure to mould and damp and we have found that many of our clients have suffered from asthma they developed while they were living in these conditions. Penetrating damp is caused by water coming through external walls or the roof. First Floor This means that when the damp and mould are caused by structural defects, your landlord has to carry out repairs. Mould, often arising as a result of damp is a serious issue and can pose significant health risks to you, and damage to the property you‘re living in. They will record all the issues which threaten your health and safety, and we could help you begin your claim. This means you can proceed with a claim without worrying that you’re taking a financial risk. If you are living in poor conditions in a social housing property then we can help you assess your options quickly. If your landlord has allowed a damp or mould problem to develop or get worse, our housing solicitors can help. Damp, Condensation and Mould in Rental Property LandlordZONE - 2005 Page 3 of 11 However, by far the most common cause of mould growth is condensation. Mold: You hope you don’t have it, you can’t always see it, but you can’t ignore it. Read our damp home improvements guides for more information on the different kinds of damp, how to treat them and how much it costs to fix damp problems. AWH Solicitors Manchester Mould and damp can cause serious illness to adults, children and the elderly. A home could be considered unfit if the mould is so bad that you can't use some rooms or it's seriously affecting your health. What to do if you notice damp and mould: You should inform your landlord immediately. a problem with the property has allowed the mould to develop. It can be caused by tenants failing to ventilate or heat their home correctly. Firstly, you need to know what your legal rights are. For example, if you’ve developed asthma or the mould, such as black mould, has ruined furniture which you own. If they have failed in doing so, let us know and we will help by sending our expert to assess your home. What causes mould? Are you suffering from health issues such as asthma as a result of the disrepair? What causes mould in a property? This team is usually your first point of contact as a private renter. In April 2014, the tenants stopped using bedroom 3 because of mould - they discovered the cause was that the underfloor was very damp. Mould often occurs due to a lack of ventilation and/or circulation of air. Most councils have a private rented housing team. It happens when moisture in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces, causing water droplets to form, which can lead to mould growth. If you have suffered from damages to your property or health, we can help you claim compensation too. What you can do is take steps to prevent and eliminate mold if those nasty little spores start appearing in your rental property.. I can really recommend Saba Khan, she made the process a pleasure and turned our sale and purchase around in four weeks, efficient and great communication. Having problems with damp and mould in a rented property? Tenants can use the Notice to landlord of rented premises (Word, 1.8MB). It can be caused by a tenant not ventilating or heating their home properly. In many housing cases we see, mould and damp in rented property is often a result of disrepair, often black mould, and can be made worse by the landlord’s failure to make repairs in a timely manner. Your landlord must organise an inspection and carry out any repairs they are responsible for within a reasonable time. Only then should they re-plaster and redecorate the affected areas. Excessive moisture usually comes from condensation, which can simply be a result of everyday living. Our expert solicitors have extensive experience with these type of cases. Who’s responsible for dealing with mould in a rental property? It can be an issue at the end of a tenancy, where a landlord and tenant may enter discussions about the return of a deposit, for example, but an ongoing damp problem can cause mould and lead to health problems and damage to personal property. Your landlord might need a damp expert if they don't know what's causing the problem. You deserve to live in a safe home that doesn't cause you or your family any form of illness, so if you are suffering from asthma or another condition caused by damp and mould, then get in touch. Mould can appear in your home at any time of the year, and it can cause serious health problems along with adding a certain dinginess to your surroundings. Mould growth in a rented property can be more than just an unsightly annoyance. Mould caused by penetrating damp won’t always be visible, but the smell is fairly easy to recognise. It is required by law that landlords should organise an inspection and carry out any repairs needed when the tenants report a damp and mould problem. The release of excess moisture, from drying clothes for example, and tightly sealed windows and doors can be an ideal environment for mould to develop. In many cases, your landlord won't have to improve the property but in some cases they must improve your home. Many thanks to Stacy and everyone else at AWH for their hard work. Your landlord shouldn’t make unreasonable demands. Every case requires a tailored approach and you deserve a solicitor who understands this. 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