What should landlords do to stop mould?

Tragically, you may have heard the terrible outcomes of untreated mould. But what should landlords do to stop mould? 

With fatal cases being reported across London and the UK, many Landlord Associations and Landlord Guilds are stepping up to provide landlords with actionable pointers to help protect tenants against mould. 

Mould is a common problem in rental properties, and it can be difficult to detect. This is usually because the landlord has not visited the property or the tenant has not reported it. However, in recent cases, there have been accusations that landlords are in fact aware of mould in their rental property and are not tackling it head-on. 

What can a landlord do to prevent mould from happening? 

While you may be running a rental property business of more than three homes, you still need to make time for the below pointers. Here are some tips for landlords on how to detect mould in their properties:

• Inspect the property regularly. The best way to detect mould is to inspect the property regularly. This means looking for any signs of mould, such as black spots, mildew, or a musty smell.
• Talk to your tenants. Your tenants may be the first to notice mould in the property. If they do, encourage them to report it to you immediately.
• Use a moisture meter. A moisture meter can be used to measure the moisture content of surfaces in the property. If the moisture content is high, it is more likely that mould will grow.
• Get professional help. If you suspect that there is mould in the property, it is best to get professional help. A professional can inspect the property and recommend the best course of action for removing the mould.

How to take action against mould when the property is vacant

In between tenancies is a perfect opportunity to tackle any looming or existing mould issues. Starting the tenancy with a pristine property will hopefully illuminate any nasty surprises down the road and put your mind at rest. 

Below are our suggestions on how you can get your property mould free before the start of a tenancy. 

1. Keep the property clean and dry. This means regularly cleaning and vacuuming the property, and taking steps to prevent moisture from building up, such as fixing any leaks and ventilating the property properly.
2. Use dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers can help to remove moisture from the air, which can help to prevent mould from growing.
3. Paint the property with anti-mould paint. Anti-mould paint can help to prevent mould from growing on the walls of the property.
4. Educate your tenants. It is important to educate your tenants about the dangers of mould and how to prevent it. This can help to ensure that they take steps to keep the property clean and dry, and to report any signs of mould to you immediately.

So before you get your tenants to sign on the bottom line, make sure they understand about ventilation and what steps you have taken to help prevent mould. 

Communication is king.

Having an open communication stream with your tenants will mean you can ask quickly for any signs of mould appearing. 

Indicators you have mould 

Moreover, there may be strong indicators before mould actually starts showing that will tell you if a mould attack is about to hit. 

Things to look out for that could suggest damp and mould 

• Black spots or patches on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. These spots can be fuzzy or slimy, and they may have a musty smell.
• Water damage, such as water stains or leaks. Mould needs moisture to grow, so the presence of water damage is a sign that mould may be present.
• A musty smell. Mould can have a musty, earthy smell that is often described as being similar to the smell of old books.
• Sickness or respiratory problems. Exposure to mould can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma.

Get your insurance in order

Before you skip ahead to getting a tenant to sign an agreement, get your landlord insurance sorted today with us at CIA. Our help and experienced team are ready to help find the right policy for you and your property. Get in contact now and have peace of mind.