Meet Wendy.
Wendy is the landlord of a family home in Woburn.
Wendy’s property has ongoing mould problems, which worsen as cold weather draws in.
Don’t worry about winter like Wendy…
Do advise your tenants.
You may know as a landlord what steps to take to stop mould, but your tenants may not. Explain what actions can make things worse (e.g., drying clothes inside exacerbates damp, cooking without lids on pans creates condensation), and what can be done to improve the situation (e.g., keeping trickle vents open on windows to help combat moisture).
Do inspect the property.
Regular inspections are vital to check the status of mould and damp. You’ll be able to see if any taps are dripping, if any window frames are rotten, or if tenants are ventilating effectively—all too often tenants turn off extractor fans to avoid the noise of them at night! You’ll also be able to see the speed at which things are spreading…
Do get to the source.
If mould keeps coming back, you could have a bigger, deeper issue. You could have penetrating damp, a broken pipe, or a leak in the roof. It’s critical you get these sorted as soon as possible—a qualified surveyor or damp expert can find the source of the problem.
Don’t forget quick fixes.
There are some simple things your tenants can do to keep mould at bay, including putting damp traps in cupboards and on windowsills, using a heated airer to speed up laundry drying time, and cleaning extractor fans of dust and debris.
Don’t take risks.
By not addressing the issue, you risk your tenants claiming compensation for damaged belongings, contacting the council for an environmental health inspection, or even escalating complaints of poor condition to court. Not to mention putting your home—and your tenants’ health—in jeopardy.
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Do use a lettings agent like Orchards.
We can do the groundwork for you, like speaking to tenants about how to minimise mould and damp, organising regular inspections, recommending experts and surveyors, and keeping you fully informed of your obligations as a landlord, avoiding extra stress and unnecessary cost.
01525 40 22 66
ampthill@orchards.co.uk
