Archives February 2024

How does a landlord fix damp?

How does a landlord fix damp? Left unchecked, invasive structural damp, leaks, condensation and mould seriously compromise rental housing conditions and tenant relations. But accurately pinpointing underlining moisture causes and deploying appropriate fixes challenges even seasoned landlords. What process should landlords follow to fully remedy hazardous damp?

1. Commission Professional Damp Assessments Rather than ineffective guesswork, landlords should hire accredited damp proofing specialists to extensively survey affected properties using moisture meters, endoscope cameras in walls, and leak detection dye tests. Their technical reports identify specific defect causes for targeted fixing.
2. Categorise Repair Types
   Guided by surveyor recommendations, categorise whether the damp requires:

• Structural repairs like cracked membrane replacements
• Plumbing fixes to leaking pipes/overflows
• Insulation, ventilation/extraction additions to reduce condensation risks
• Heating system adjustments to remove excess moisture

3. Organise Specialist Contractors Depending on the scale of works needed, liaise qualified plumbers electricians, builders, engineers etc. to methodically correct identified faults enabling moisture ingress. This avoids botched amateur repairs by landlords that fail to fix root problems.
4. Agree Reasonable Tenant Relocation If repairs require temporary house decanting, provide tenants reasonable equivalent alternative accommodation given suitable notice periods. This resolves occupancy legalities.
5. Treat Affected Internal Areas Once addressing origins, employ dedicated damp remediation contractors to fix previous water damage, treat mould and prevent new outbreaks in line with industry guidelines. This properly restores property states.

Conclusion Albeit convoluted, landlords must break the cycle of quick superficial damp fixes eventually failing repeatedly. Meticulous moisture cause investigations alongside relocation sensitivity enables reliable long-term rental rehabilitation that satisfies all stakeholders.

If your landlord is refusing to deal with damp issues then you may qualify to make a housing conditions claim. This means you can have your issues dealt with and compensation in a matter of months. Contact our team today.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

Is it expensive to treat damp?

Is it expensive to treat damp? Discovering sections of plaster detaching from sodden walls or murky mould blooms ruining your furnishings forces distressed homeowners to confront the problem – how much will adequately fixing damp issues cost? Especially in older properties, is solving moisture issues an eye-wateringly expensive undertaking?

Moderate Repair Cost Estimates The qualified good news – the cost of professionally treating damp and mould outbreaks through typical combined building repairs and fungal elimination normally averages £2,500 to £5,000 for a standard house when using registered specialists. This covers:

• An accredited damp & timber property survey with recommendations – £250+
• Subfloor ventilation installation – £500+
• Electrical or plumbing leak repairs – £200+
• Installation of proper insulation like cavity wall fill to reduce condensation risks – £800+
• Chemical washes, dry lining and mould-resistant paints to treat affected walls – £700+

Quotes rise for larger properties, extensive damage or complex structural remediation needs.

Cost Mitigation Options Numerous options potentially reduce expenses like tenants coordinating repair requests to distribute landlord costs or pursuing mutually beneficial insurance claims regarding third-party root causes. Compare multiple quotes emphasizing long warranties too.

Additionally, councils or charities may contribute discretionary financial and legal assistance for struggling tenants living in damaging conditions. This aims to avoid homelessness.

Weighing Expenditure Against Further Risks Ultimately the accumulated costs of allowing hazardous damp and accompanying mould to deteriorate unchecked rarely justify postponed repairs, from declining rent values and tenant disputes to major rebuilds. Early preventative treatment remains the most cost-effective and healthiest solution all occupants benefit from.

Your Council and Housing Association are legally responsible for treating damp issues. If you have complained and nothing has been done you may have cause to make a housing conditions claim. Find out if you qualify to by contacting our team of experts.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

What is the difference between damp and mould?

What is the difference between damp and mould? Many tenants use the terms “damp” and “mould” interchangeably when finding moist patches or fungus in properties. However, while linked, clinical experts describe damp and mould as distinct housing issues needing tailored solutions. Below we detail the key differences.

Defining Damp Essentially, damp refers to any unwanted moisture within structures arising from:

• Rising ground moisture drawn through walls missing proper membranes.
• Leaking roofs or broken pipes enabling water penetration.
• Condensation droplets forming on cold surfaces without adequate warmth, ventilation and insulation.

Indications specifically involve musty odours, stained patches, peeling paint, eroding plaster and timber warping, even without mould. Addressing infiltration sources forms vital damp-proofing.

Explaining Mould By contrast, mould defines the many species of opportunistic fungal organisms that colonize damp areas. This plant-like kingdom thrives on cellulose-based materials in humid, stagnant indoor air environments.

While many moulds appear harmless, producing allergens and chaotic growth damaging buildings, certain genera even emit toxic gases carrying potential health risks with chronic exposure.

Mould Clean up and Control Crucially, while fixing leaks and ventilation issues aids prevention, effectively cleaning, killing and safely containing existing indoor mould growth requires specialized biocide treatments to avoid wider spreading. This ensures successful health hazard elimination.

In summary, “dampness” refers to the broader housing moisture issues, while “mould” describes the resulting biological fungus buildup itself. Their solutions interlink but focus on different areas – from leak repairs to spore neutralization. Tackling both fully protects homes.

As a tenant you have legal right to live in a home that is free of issues. If you are tired of living in substandard conditions, then feel free to book a call with our team and we will help you discuss what options and action is available to you.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

How do you check yourself for mould poisoning?

How do you check yourself for mould poisoning? Worried those persistent health complaints like fatigue, breathing trouble and skin irritation stem from your damp, mouldy home? Proactively checking yourself for toxic environmental exposure provides vital health insight. But what mould poisoning test methods and checks exist?

We detail key options below:

Assess Your Environment
Carefully examine all rooms in your home for visible mould growth and musty damp smells, especially in darker corners and behind furniture. Note down locations and severity as this establishes exposure sources. Have an accredited professional mould inspector survey and test if uncertain on scope.

Consider Your Symptoms Extensively track daily symptoms like wheezing, nosebleeds, memory fog, rashes etc. especially differences between times spent at home versus elsewhere. Make a timeline of when housing conditions worsened versus your declining health. Symptom journals help doctors diagnose later.

Do Respiratory Checks
Objectively measure lung function looking for signs of reduced capacity from inflammation like lowered peak flow rates. This involves breathing into portable devices multiple times daily to log changes. Sudden drops after time in your house adds evidence of airway irritation.

Order a HLA DR Lab Test This specialised blood test detects immune inflammation markers and biomarkers affiliated with toxic mould exposure. While not definitive alone due to other potential causes, abnormal HLA DR results suggest mould contributes to health complaints meriting removal from the environment.

Seek Medical Confirmation Finally, see both your general practitioner and consider specialist referrals to trained environmental health doctors. Provide symptom journals and test results alongside dates of reported housing disrepair. Their clinical confirmation of likely mold-induced illness builds your health and any legal case for relocation assistance.

Early proactive personal testing means occupants don’t suffer poor health silently. Flagging hazardous housing prevents serious future mold-related dysfunction or disability.

Important links

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

How long does it take to get sick from mould exposure?

How long does it take to get sick from mould exposure? Inhaling airborne mould spores or mycotoxins released from damp fungal growth poses proven health risks. But how quickly after exposure do symptoms like coughs, breathing issues or rashes appear? Can serious illness manifest in days or do problems develop over months? We detail timescales.

Acute Symptoms – Minutes to Hours In rare cases of large spore infections from disturbances like flood demolitions, acute mold-related symptoms can arise rapidly. These include:

• Wheezing and difficulty breathing from inflammation/allergic reactions
• Stinging throat and eyes
• Runny noses and sinus congestion
• Headaches and dizziness
• Fatigue from immune response

Such symptoms may emerge suddenly hours after a major exposure spike from containment breaches. Seek medical assistance promptly in severe responses.

Delayed Impacts – Days to Weeks
More commonly, it takes days to weeks after moving into a damp, mouldy property or such conditions developing before cumulative health complaints emerge. Repeated lower-level spore intake allows gradual respiratory, skin or general immune irritation. Effects also worsen over time without mitigation.

Chronic Long-Term Illnesses Finally, months or years living immersed in mould environments leads to serious chronic conditions like:

• Respiratory dysfunction including asthma and lung scarring
• Autoimmune disorders
• Potential neurological conditions from mycotoxin buildup
• Vision issues from prolonged toxicity and inflammation
• Cancer risks

The key takeaway remains that the longer anyone inhabits mould-affected buildings, the higher their disease exposure. Act rapidly on damp issues for safety.

Do not wait any longer than you need to, to seek help and advice. Our team are on hand to talk you through what options are available to you and how a housing conditions claim could be made against your council or housing association. You could be issue free and compensated in a matter of months.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

Can my landlord blame me for mould?

Introduction:

Can my landlord blame me for mould? Finding dark fuzzy mould suddenly sprouting across your rental walls or ceiling can spark immediate tenant fears over blame. Landlords often hastily accuse residents of “lifestyle choices” like poor ventilation causing excessive moisture. But what rights protect tenants against unfair accusations when attempting to compel repairs?

Landlord vs Tenant Maintenance Duties Legally under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords retain obligations to effectively treat and repair damp, leaks and mould issues stemming from structural failings like:

• Lacking damp proof membranes allowing rising ground moisture
• Roof leaks enabling penetrating dampness
• Major plumbing defects
• Broken guttering and external drainage

Where deficiencies relate to the building itself, landlords cannot lawfully blame tenants.

Meanwhile, tenants must take reasonable ventilation precautions, promptly report minor issues before mould outbreaks, and avoid intentionally introducing excessive steam without extraction like industrial growing operations!

Unfair Accusations and Retaliation Landlords frequently ignore legal obligations by immediately accusing residents of “lifestyle choices” causing humidity and mould. Sometimes they even attempt illegal retaliation like harassing residents seeking repairs or attempting unlawful early evictions.

However, advisers typically classify these behaviours as unlawful harassment or discrimination. Keep dated photo evidence of mould growth locations, formal repair requests, and health issues to help defend against false landlord accusations if necessary.

Seeking External Validation If disputes persist, independent council environmental health inspections can determine causes and liability. Landlords presented with official warnings and improvement notices often back down over unfounded tenant blaming. Alternatively, housing charities can advocate directly for affected tenants.

Ultimately the law prevents handing tenants full accountability for structural external housing defects realistically outside their control.

Do not think you are alone. We have helped thousands of tenants over ten years get their homes repaired and compensation.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

Can damp and mould be fixed?

Introduction:

Can damp and mould be fixed? Dampness and resulting black mould outbreaks frustrate countless tenants. The unpleasant musty smell and risk of fungus triggering health issues makes the problem seem insurmountable. However, while challenging to fully prevent long-term, understanding modern solutions to properly treat and control household damp can help affected residents regain safe, stable conditions.

Tackling Root Causes Mould fundamentally stems from excess moisture, so experts tackling infiltration sources provides the bottom line fix. Common culprits include:

• Lack of insulation enabling condensation formation on cold surfaces
• External ground moisture rising through walls due to missing damp proof courses
• Leaking pipes, waster overflows or rain seepage from damage allowing water to penetrate internally
• HVAC system faults increasing humidity
• Bathroom/kitchen extractions failures

Correcting defects through installing insulation, sealing outside leaks, and upgrading ventilation systems provides the fundamental fix to then keep mould away long-term through proactive upkeep.

Mould Treatment and Prevention To manage existing mould fully, combine thorough cleaning using fungicidal chemical washes with follow-up redecoration to seal-in treatments under new low-permeability paint. This prevents fresh spore release and regrowth.

Ongoing prevention involves tenants wiping down moisture prone areas weekly and immediately reporting larger build-ups, while landlords respect repair duties to strengthen protections against excess dampness sources. Small daily tenant ventilation efforts combine with appropriate landlord housing quality maintenance to minimize risks.

Seeking Property Assessments If the root moisture sources prove complex, professional damp & timber surveys using moisture meters, endoscope cameras and leak detection dye tests help landlords understand necessary permanent works. Costly but occasionally essential last fixes involve installing interior waterproof membranes or even underpinning foundations.

Conclusion While challenging, addressing core dampness and mould reasons through condition surveys, repairs and spore release prevention provides lasting solutions. Persistence in boosted tenant communication alongside modern landlord housing standards delivers necessary change.

Important links

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

Is it illegal to rent a property with damp?

Introduction:

Is it illegal to rent a property with damp? Many tenants uncomfortably accept minor dampness issues as an inevitable downside of ageing rental stock. However, at what point does a landlord letting out or continuing a tenancy in a severely moisture-affected property cross the line from unethical into outright illegal behaviour?

Defining Unfit Dwellings English and Welsh housing law deems rental homes “unfit for human habitation” if they contain Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) that pose major threats to occupant health and safety.

Chronic structural dampness, mould growth, water damage and poor insulation fall under the excess cold hazard category. Where these make homes extremely hazardous to inhabit, councils must intervene.

Unlawful Behaviour Around Letting Damp Properties Specifically, landlords act unlawfully if they:

• Knowingly let unfit dwellings without officially informing tenants of severe moisture defects
• Do not carry out required repairs within suitable timeframes when reasonably notified of hazardous damp, leaking roofs etc impeding safe occupation
• Fail to cover relocation costs if moisture requires emergency decanting during remedial works
• Retaliate against tenants who assert their legal right not to reside in unlawful hazardous conditions

Consequences can include prohibition notices, fines up to £30,000, rent repayment orders and civil suits from affected tenants.

Seeking Local Authority Assistance If landlords will not rectify serious damp incidences rendering homes unsafe, tenants should contact council environmental health teams for urgent assistance. These officers can inspect, verify unfitness and force rapid improvements with legal powers.

Allowing tenants to reside in dangerous damp conditions violates housing legislation. Authorities now take an increasingly strict approach to such endangerment.

Do not allow your landlord to get away with any form of neglect. Our team are here seven days a week to offer free help and advice.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

How long does a landlord have to fix damp?

Introduction

How long does a landlord have to fix damp? Excess dampness, water damage and mould fundamentally compromise rental suitability for occupation. But in the inevitably lengthy processes of property repairs, how long can landlords legally take to remedy hazardous moisture issues reported by tenants?

Emergency Works – 24 Hours If flooding suddenly damages walls, plaster crumbles from saturated ceilings or leaks immediately threaten electrics, landlords must initiate emergency works within 24 hours under housing law. This includes:

• Erecting protective scaffolding in deluged rooms
• Securing dangerous hanging damp debris at risk of collapse
• Preventing short-term electrical fires, gas leaks etc

The priority lies in preventing urgent threats of collapse, electrocution or inundation from worsening across properties.

Urgent Repairs – 5 Working Days If moisture issues like patches of rising damp or mould don’t pose imminent catastrophe but still require prompt attention, landlords have up to 5 working days to begin substantive repairs. Applicable fixes include:

• Setup of drying equipment like dehumidifiers
• Mold removal and applying sealing treatments
• Commencing wall plaster repairs after initial drying out
• Spraying anti-fungal solutions

Full Moisture Rectification – 28 Days Maximum Ultimately, housing regulations compel landlords to fully treat original defect causes within 28 days in most damp scenarios. Only for extensive works like cellar tanking or sand cemented floors might longer periods apply. But tenants should see active solutions not ongoing deterioration four weeks post-notification.

Conclusion: Left unchecked, excessive housing moisture triggers untenable decay. Landlords must adhere to short-term and long-term legal repair deadlines while keeping tenants informed on progress. Where they continue to overlook duties, local environmental health teams introduce further enforcement powers.

Our expert team have a wealth of experience dealing with all forms of disrepair issues stemming from Councils and Housing associations failing to live up to their duty of care.

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/

What are the 10 warning signs of mould toxicity?

What are the 10 warning signs of mould toxicity? Inhaling or touching mould spores long-term can cause a condition known as mould toxicity or chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) from dangerous exposure. What key signs suggest you may be suffering from the cumulative health impacts of a home fungal infestation?

Here are 10 notable indicators and symptoms according to physicians:

1. Headaches When At Home Getting frequent headaches that tend to clear up when you leave the mouldy property points to an environmental trigger.
2. Respiratory Distress Wheezing, asthma symptoms, coughs and difficulty breathing signal mould could irritate lungs.
3. Regular Fatigue Excessive tiredness and low energy linked to time spent in the contaminated home hints that mould wellness impacts accumulate.
4. Cognitive Fog Memory issues, concentration problems and confusion also associate with mould exposure according to research.
5. Itchy Skin Rashes
   Unexplained skin irritation manifesting when home also warrants mould checks.
6. Face Flushing Red, hot facial flushing can result from inflammatory reactions.
7. Strange Odours Musty scents you notice but visitors don’t points to a mould desensitization risk.
8. Sound Sensitivity Increased sensitivity to noises at home indicates neurological irritation.
9. Vision Changes
   Blurry vision, light sensitivity and eye irritation indicate toxicity.
10. Mood Issues Depression, anxiety and anger also link to mould’s neurological effects.

Getting Tested

Seek professional home inspections and medical checks if multiple symptoms emerge. While not definitive, blood tests can also hint at mould-driven inflammation. Tackle excessive spore sources promptly to avoid further vulnerability.

If you are unsure if your home are causing any of the issues stated above and not sure what your rights are as a social housing tenant then please feel free to contact our specialist housing disrepair team. With over 10 years experience helping many tenants we can advise you on the best course of action based on your circumstances.

Important links

Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact

Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/