Martin Lewis reveals how renters can get landlords to get rid of black mould – and you could get compensation
RENTERS may feel at the mercy of landlords, but Martin Lewis has revealed they hold the power when it comes to getting rid of mould.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert (MSE) spoke to three experts on renting to discuss what rights tenants have in the latest episode of his BBC 5 Live show The Martin Lewis Podcast.
One of the main topics of discussion was what to do if you have black mould in your rental property.
Mould is a hazard and can cause respiratory problems.
One listener wrote in to ask if they could be entitled to compensation for issues of severe damp that arose prior to their occupation.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, which came into force in 2019, means landlords must make sure their properties meet certain standards.
A landlord must fix problems that cause damp, such as a structural problem or faulty installation.
Signs of problems with the structure can be damp patches on external walls, or gaps and cracks in the brickwork.
If the damp isn’t caused by structural problems, it could be down to a tenant’s lifestyle habits, for example, dry clothes indoors.
But Judy Ford from Citizens Advice told Martin that this is the responsibility of the landlord to determine.
She said: “It’s about understanding how the mould and damp is actually being formed.
“Sometimes they are structural which is 100% the landlord’s responsibility.
“And sometimes, unfortunately, it can be tenant lifestyle.”
She added: “It will be the landlord’s responsibility [to find the cause of black mould] as it comes under his repairing obligations as the structure of the property.
“So that’s his starting point, and from there, once you know where the source is, you can decide.”
Judy told Martin that there is also no timescale for landlords to have to fix these issues.
“We don’t actually have timescales. The Fitness for Human Habitation Act act says the landlord most act in ‘reasonable time’.
“But nobody has actually defined reasonable in law so it’s open to interpretation.”
Housing and homelessness charity Shelter state that what amount of notice is “reasonable” depends on how serious the problem is and the extent of the works.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
Can I get compensation for black mould in my private rented home?
How much compensation you get for housing disrepair depends on your circumstances and how bad the problem is.
It is usually calculated as a percentage of the rent you paid while living in the conditions.
A completely uninhabitable property could get 100% of rent as compensation, but this is rare.
More typically, compensation would be between 25% and 50% of your rent, according to legal experts.
Still, tenants will have to pay court fees unless they’re entitled to free legal aid, but you’ll get some back if you win your case.
Last year, The Sun shared how a mum-of-three got £3,000 in compensation after her landlord failed to fix her mould-riddled home.
If you’re privately renting and your landlord refuses to fix problems, you should report them to the council.
When is a property unfit for habitation?
A PROPERTY is unfit for habitation if it is not reasonably suitable for occupation, Shelter said.
Below is a list of issues that would make a property unfit to live in:
- repairs
- damp
- stability
- ventilation
- water supply
- natural lighting
- internal arrangement
- drainage and sanitary conditions
- facilities for preparing food or disposal of waste water
- a hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
I have mould in my council home – what are my rights?
Social housing landlords must fix a repair within a set timescale.
This does vary from landlord to landlord, but most repairs fall into the following categories:
- Emergency – to been seen within a few hours.
- Urgent – a maximum of three to five days
- Routine – this can be a bit longer and usually varies between landlords
For example, a minor leak would be expected to be seen within three days, while major leak within a few hours.
It’s up to landlords to be clear with residents about these timescales, so they can be held accountable if they aren’t met.
But if you’re a social tenant, and you’re having problems, you should complain to the Housing Ombudsman.
The Housing Ombudsman makes the final decision on disputes between residents and member landlords.
Membership is compulsory for social landlords – primarily local authority landlords and housing associations.
But some some private landlords are voluntary members.
Its decisions are independent and impartial and the service is free to use.
You could get compensation if your landlord fails to carry out repair work within a reasonable time.
How much you’ll get will depend on the severity of the issue, time taken and other circumstances such as how vulnerable the resident is.
But you could get thousands of pounds in compensation.
One parent got £5,500 compensation after her house was invaded by slugs slithering up the walls.
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