What landlords and tenants need to do when mould strikes

Last week Midlands green energy expert Ron talked about what action householders should take if they have the unwanted visitors of black mould and damp in their homes. But what should landlords and their tenants do?

Ron said when a tenant notifies that there is damp and mould in a property, the landlord must take the concern seriously and tackle the problem urgently.

Also, tenants should be told about what is being done to resolve the issue and the likely timescale for the work.

It is essential that the mould is removed promptly, reducing health risks.

Small amounts of mould can be removed from hard surfaces with an appropriate cleaning product, preferably not bleach, and it should be left to dry completely. Carpets, soft furnishings and ceiling tiles may have to be thrown away if they become mouldy.

The person removing the mould should wear protective mask, gloves and goggles.

Also, doors should be shut to help prevent mould spores from spreading to other areas, but windows should be left open during and after the clean-up.

But Ron said larger areas of mould should be cleared by qualified professionals.

He said the most common problem was condensation from showering, drying laundry and cooking.

Ron said two ways to solve this were by improving ventilation and by better energy efficiency.

Ventilation checklist: Kitchens and bathrooms should have extractor fans while the former should have cooker hoods to remove moisture from cooking.

Landlords may wish to consider humidity-controlled fans, which automatically activate when humidity reaches a certain point. Another option is ensuring the extractor fan continues for some time after the light is switched off.

One effective solution is a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) which is one of the UK’s most popular low-energy systems. Installed in the void of a roof or inside a wall, they deliver continuously filtered air throughout the home to protect owners and tenants from the many harmful indoor air pollutants which can lead to long-term health problems.

By controlling humidity and reducing condensation, PIV can also help prevent cold spots and dampness, making your home feel warmer and cosier, even if you live in a flat or an apartment block.

Operating costs are minimal, virtually no maintenance is required and the noise generated by the fans in the loft or walls is almost silent.

Energy efficiency checklist: Homes that are insufficiently insulated and heated are more prone to the build-up of moisture and condensation on the inside of external walls and windows.

Improvements to heating systems and glazing can be an effective means of increasing indoor temperatures.

Putting in loft insulation to a minimum of 270mm is a particularly effective means of keeping homes warmer.

Also consider replacing single glazed windows with double glazing, sorting out draughts, plus insulating hot water tanks and pipes.

Finally, provide thermostatic radiator valves so tenants can control room temperature, and ensure rooms have carpets and curtains to retain heat.

“It is important these problems are sorted out as soon as possible, so if in doubt get expert help,” concluded Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park,
For more advice contact him on 0845 474 6641.

Caption: One effective solution to dealing with damp is a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system which can be put in the the void of a roof or inside a wall.