All posts by Housing Disrepair Advice

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/

What are the tenants rights to damp and mould compensation?

What are the tenants rights to damp and mould compensation? Damp, leaks and mould growth in rented housing can spark endless disputes between tenants and landlords regarding repairs duties. But in cases where excessive moisture causes proven illness or damage, what specific compensation rights can adversely affected tenants pursue?

Compensation Category 1 – Personal Injury

If poor property conditions directly provoke respiratory issues, allergic reactions or other medical complications, eligible tenants have rights to recover:

• Healthcare expenses like medication, doctor visits
• Loss of income from time off work
• General damages for physical/mental suffering

To claim, obtain doctor confirmation the symptoms resulted from hazardous exposure to fungal spores, bacteria etc rather than other factors. Photos evidencing mould growth in main living areas further builds the link to landlords breaching repair duties.

Compensation Category 2 – Property Damage

Tenants also commonly seek damages from landlords when:

• Leaks and penetrating damp rot wooden furniture
• Mould fouls clothes, fabrics and other possessions
• Waterlogging breaks electrical devices

Here, documented monetary estimates for replacing destroyed items or repair invoices from tradespeople help quantify losses for any claim.

Other Possible Claims

Additionally, some tenants secure payouts relating to:

• Temporary accommodation costs if houses require uninhabitable decanting during repairs
• Overall detriment to rent value from exposure to health risks
• Stress and disruption if landlords ignore repair notifications

In all instances, early written records of requesting landlords fix issues then facing inaction assists claims. But most critically – no tenant should suffer poor health or unsafe surroundings from neglected housing defects. Flagging rights to court-ordered compensation motivates overdue improvements.

If you want free expert advice on what your rights are as a social housing tenant, then please feel free to contact our client services team. They will listen to your issues and let you know what your options are.

Important links

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

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

What is the new law on damp and mould?

What is the new law on damp and mould? Damp, mould and condensation blight far too many English and Welsh rental properties, risking tenant health and disputes. But new November 2023 legislation bolsters renters’ rights regarding excess moisture issues. We summarise the key changes now in effect to help tenants assert improved living standards.

Expanded Landlord Duties Around Damp and Mould Prevention

The Residential Properties (Damp and Mould) Act 2023 for England and Wales enshrines new legal duties compelling both council and private landlords to actively:

• Survey rental properties for damp and mould risks before new tenancies
• Fix identified problems like leaks, install proper insulation, heating, ventilation
• Provide new tenants an official moisture risk assessment report
• Respond within strict timeframes to damp/mould issues reported mid-tenancy

Timescales range from urgent 24 hours mould disturbance works to 28 days for installing new ventilation systems.

New Rights Letting Tenants Terminate Over Persistent Issues

If landlords ignore new obligations and allow hazardous damp, mould etc to persist through negligence without repairs, tenants now have explicit grounds to legally end tenancy agreements early without penalty.

Compensation for Illness and Damage

Where landlords didn’t reasonably comply with duties leading to tenant harm from conditions like mould-related respiratory illness, residents can claim compensation for health impacts, property damage and losses under the new Act.

Overall, the 2023 legislation cements housing fitness accountability on landlords, not tenants, reflecting expert medical knowledge on damp risks. Check government guidance to ensure your rights stay protected.

If you think your social housing landlord is breaking the law. Then please feel free to get in touch and book a free no obligation consultation on making a housing disrepair claim against your landlord. Our team are available seven days a week to answer any and all questions

Important links

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

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

Can I leave my rental if there is mould?

Can I leave my rental if there is mould? Finding some minor mould in damp areas like bathrooms may be an unfortunate reality in many rentals. But can tenants legally break their tenancy agreements and leave properties if severe hazardous mould renders homes uninhabitable? We explore your rights when fungal infestations get out of control.

Defining a Chronic Mould Problem

More than just some surface mildew in the grout or a patch of fungus on an exterior wall, chronic dangerous mould issues normally involve:

• Substantial mould growth affecting most rooms
• Landlords failing to remedy root causes like leaks or moisture
• Loss of safe habitable space from contamination
• Legitimate fears regarding health impacts like lung inflammation

Usually such severe cases result from long-term structural defects or major events like floods. Evidence from doctors, inspectors and legal experts will back up tenant claims.

When You Can Legally Vacate Due to Mould

If you’ve extensively reported hazardous mould without a landlord’s reasonable attempts to treat causes and remediate contamination, housing law in your defence may enable you to:

• Break the tenancy agreement on health/safety grounds
• Sue landlords for compensation if mould provably caused illness/damage
• Stop paying full rent if the property becomes legally unfit for occupation
• Ultimately vacate the property while still paying owed rent short-term

Each situation differs, so document evidence and always consult housing legal experts first. But the law prevents landlords ignoring severe mould affecting basic tenant welfare.

Seeking Temporary Relocation

If individual units get overrun by mould/fungi during planned works, responsible landlords should provide temporary safe accommodations elsewhere until fixes complete. This ensures tenants don’t bear the brunt of disruption. If you feel like we can be of any help, please contact our client services team today.

Important links

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

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

Damp and mould in rental property

Damp and mould in rental property Finding patches of dark fuzzy mould and moisture-laden walls in a rental property can spark endless tenant frustrations. Either from rising damp, leaks, or condensation, excessive indoor moisture encourages mould growth that risks health. But what can renters do to fix damp and mould problems under UK housing rights? We take a look.

Landlord Requirements Under Housing Law

The critical starting point – landlords hold legal responsibilities under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to effectively treat and prevent damp/mould issues in their rental properties. This covers:

• Stopping rising damp with proper damp proof membranes and ventilation
• Identifying and fixing structural leaks causing penetrating damp
• Providing adequate heating, insulation and ventilation to minimise condensation

Tenants reporting indoor damp or mould growth should have their landlord promptly inspect and make repairs to keep the property habitable. Ignore issues and tenants can pursue further action.

When Tenant Ventilation Efforts Matter

However, tenants also must take reasonable moisture prevention steps – chiefly keeping trickle vents open when cooking/showering and effectively heating/airing rooms. While ultimately accountable for faults outside tenant control, landlords can require residents follow condensation reduction steps.

Evidence like photos and maintenance records will help show each party acted reasonably if disputes proceed to housing tribunals.

Getting Environmental Health Inspections If landlords fail to fix damp/mould faults within a reasonable time, council environmental health teams will investigate and can require rapid improvements with legal notices. Severe cases also give tenants rights to pursue rent rebates or relocation assistance.

Nobody wants to live surrounded by hypoallergenic mould risks. Asserting housing rights firmly ensures tenants secure the healthy indoor conditions they deserve. If you feel we can help you, please contact our client services team today.

Important links

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

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

Can you refuse to pay rent if you have no heating?

Can you refuse to pay rent if you have no heating? Freezing indoor temperatures can become unbearable over winter when heating fails. As a tenant, could you lawfully stop paying full rent to your landlord if they ignore requests to fix faulty heating systems? We explore using rent payments as potential leverage versus seeking formal routes to compel repairs.

Withholding Rent – High Risk Move

While rarely advisable without formal legal consultation, tenants do retain certain rights under housing law to withhold rent when properties become legally “unfit for occupation” from extreme disrepair or failures to provide basics like heating, hot water, sanitation etc.

However, for rent withholding to have lawful justification, tenants must place owed payments into an approved escrow account – not simply default. Landlords can still pursue evictions and county court judgements over straight non-payment.

Following Official Repair Request Procedures

Housing advisers typically recommend tenants follow formal repair request procedures first before ceasing payments, namely:

• Issuing written notice to landlords detailing heating failures
• Allowing reasonable timescales for repairs e.g. 24 hours for winter no heating emergencies
• Escalating to council environmental health teams if unfixed

This shows you fulfilled your tenant responsibilities to alert landlords and facilitate access before seeking rent adjustments.

Weighing Up Risks and Alternatives

While rent strikes seem an easy fix for poor conditions, the risks of retaliation like eviction notices mean tenants should carefully evaluate other options too:

• Free advice from housing aid services
• Mediation and negotiations
• Making insurance claims if applicable
• Ultimately relocating may be necessary

If you do opt to withhold rent, specialist legal advice remains essential to avoid jeopardizing your tenancy further. If you think we can help you, please feel free to contact our client services team.

Important links

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

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

Is it legal to leave a tenant without heating and hot water?

Is it legal to leave a tenant without heating and hot water? Few things are as essential for safe, habitable housing as adequate provisions for heating and hot water. But in the depths of winter, what recourse do tenants have if landlords allow heating systems or boilers to break without fixing them? We detail the legal position on this unacceptable failure of duty.

The Right to Safe, Warm Housing

UK housing legislation makes clear that all tenants are entitled to dwellings with efficient heating and hot water systems to meet modern insulation and hygiene standards.

Allowing properties to have no functional central heating or hot water puts tenants at risk of health impacts from hypothermia, breathing conditions, and inability to wash properly.

24-Hour Emergency Repair Duty

Critically, if lack of heating or hot water leaves residents exposed to immediate harm, this counts as an emergency repair under law. Just like gas leaks or dangerous wires, landlords have an absolute duty to implement emergency repairs on vital services within 24 hours.

So if boilers break in winter or pilots go out, temporary solutions like portable heaters, electric showers and hot plates should be supplied within a day while full systems get assessed and fixed by engineers.

When Inaction Becomes Unlawful

If for any reason landlords fail to restore critical heating and hot water to habitable standards after tenant notification, they violate housing fitness duties. Such cases of neglect open them up to legal action including:

• Formal complaints to environmental health authorities
• Facing improvement/prohibition notices and fines
• Tenants arranging independent repairs and withholding rent
• Being sued by residents in county courts for compensation

The bottom line – no one should endure weeks of icy showers or shivering nights without heat. Landlords denying such fundamentals break the law.

Important links

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

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