Finding mould in a rented property can be a worrying time for both tenant and landlord. Not only can it be a health risk, but it can also lead to damage to the building itself. This means acting swiftly to get it removed as soon as possible is essential; however, whose responsibility is it to remove black mould in a rental property?

Why is black mould a problem?

For a landlord, mould that is left unchecked can lead to significant damage to the property. However, for tenants, it is a far more serious health risk. Most commonly found in bathrooms or kitchens, it can lead to a range of issues, including:

  • An increase in asthma attacks
  • Coughing/wheezing
  • Blocked nose
  • Red and itchy eyes
  • A rash on your skin
  • A sore throat

Mould is particularly more harmful to young children and those with a weakened immune system, with only a mild growth capable of causing issues.

What causes black mould?

Black mould in a property can be caused by a wide range of issues. Most commonly, though, it grows where there is an excess of moisture and humidity. This is why it is usually found in the bathroom or kitchen.

Mould in a rented property is often caused by a lack of ventilation, but it could also be a sign of further issues with the property such as:

  • A faulty roof
  • Cracks in your wall
  • Issues with your plumbing
  • Damaged gutters
  • Blocked drains
  • Rising damp

What to do if you have mould in a rented property UK

Black mould in a rental property is a surprisingly common occurrence. For a landlord, mould should be something that they are regularly checking. However, if you are a tenant and have spotted mould, here is what you should do:

Identify its location

The first thing you should do when noticing signs of black mould in a rental property is to clearly identify its location. If you have begun experiencing a cough or irritation, then search around your bathroom and kitchen for signs of mould.

Communicate with your landlord

When it comes to landlord responsibilities, mould is a major concern. If you have spotted mould in your home, then contact them immediately. When speaking with your landlord, make sure you clearly inform them of the location and size of the mould. You should also describe any damage to your belongings or furnishings within the property.

After alerting your landlord of mould in the rented property, they have 14 days to respond. Typically, they will first arrange an inspection which will aim to identify the mould and determine what is causing it. This will then allow them to carry out a safe removal and conduct any necessary repairs.

Who is responsible for cleaning?

Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, if the mould or damp is caused by structural issues such as broken pipes, then the landlord is legally required to fix it. However, if the mould is caused by lifestyle habits of the tenant, then the responsibility on who is required to clean it becomes trickier.

If the landlord can categorically identify the tenant was at fault, for example, they let the bath overflow and did not fix it, or they purposely damaged pipes, then the cost of mould removal could be taken from the security deposit. However, this is very hard to prove and typically landlord insurance policies will cover the cost of removal, so cleaning responsibilities will be at the discretion of your landlord. The best thing to do is to contact them as soon as possible and discuss the options available to you.

Make sure you get everything in writing

When liaising with your landlord, make sure that you get everything in writing. This is critical to ensure that should they not carry out the removal or repairs, you will have proof of dates of contact and their response.

If, after reporting mould to your landlord, you have not heard back within the 14 day time period, then you should contact your local authority. It is important to remember that tenants do not have the right to withhold their rent, but the landlord does have a responsibility to fix any mould.

If there is black mould at the end of your tenancy that was not there at the start, your landlord could deduct your deposit. However, they would need to prove that the mould was caused by negligence from the tenant.

Top tips to prevent black mould in your property

Mould in a rented property is incredibly common, and for a landlord, mould can be a costly and time-consuming issue to clean while it can be a health risk for tenants. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of mould growth and keep yourself safe:

  1. Increase ventilation

One of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of mould is to increase the ventilation. No matter whether you are having a shower, doing your laundry or cooking dinner, make sure you keep the windows open or extractor fans on.

These activities can create an incredibly humid environment, which, over time, encourages the growth of black mould. Keeping a window open will improve the flow of air throughout the home and help to clear any moisture. However, when you are undertaking activities that create a lot of moisture, keep the door to that room closed. This will prevent steam or moisture from escaping into the rest of the property and causing issues elsewhere.  

These activities can create an incredibly humid environment, which, over time, encourages the growth of black mould. Keeping a window open will improve the flow of air throughout the home and help to clear any moisture. However, when you are undertaking activities that create a lot of moisture, keep the door to that room closed. This will prevent steam or moisture from escaping into the rest of the property and causing issues elsewhere.

2. Dry your clothes outside

Leaving damp or wet clothes results in large amounts of water entering the air in your property. To prevent mould in a rented property, try and dry your clothes outside wherever possible. If you do not have an outdoor drying space, then open a window to ensure as much ventilation into the room as possible.

3. Keep furniture away from walls

Another great tip for reducing the risk of black mould is to keep your furniture away from exterior walls. These walls are often much colder than interior ones, which increases the risk of damp and mould, so ensuring no furniture is touching these walls helps to increase airflow.

4. Declutter

Equally, decluttering can help you reduce the risk of black mould in a rental property by increasing the airflow around the home. This is particularly important in key areas such as the bathroom and kitchen.

5. Dry wet areas as soon as possible

Black mould thrives in warm and humid environments, so another top tip is to dry up any wet areas as soon as possible. This means things such as drying damp surfaces after a shower or cleaning up any spillages as soon as possible. You should also not leave out any damp towels or wet clothing for too long.

Don’t hang around

Mould in a rented property is damaging to both the building itself and the health of those living inside. If you are noticing irritation and symptoms typically attributed to black mould, or you have seen the mould growing itself, then speak to your landlord as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the quicker you can stop its growth and stay safe.

How is the black mould affecting your tenancy?

Is your landlord handling it like a pro or could he be doing better? Is the black mould becoming a real issue for the property? Use HonestRent to rate your tenancy experience and let other renters know everything you wished you had known before moving in. Rate the property here.