A report states that nearly £1.4 billion is spent in the NHS to treat diseases and conditions caused by cold or damp housing every year in the UK.
Most diseases, such as respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and asthma, can be linked to mouldy homes.
Mould is a microscopic fungus that breeds in damp conditions. While there is always a natural amount of mould spores present in the air, they multiply rapidly in houses where condensation and dampness create poor ventilation conditions and in which growth thrives. It thus often appears as black, white, or green patches on walls, accompanying a damp, dampened smell.
The risks stand out to be decidedly more pronounced in the more vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, children, infants, and other persons with a history of respiratory disease. Symptoms can vary from just a simple sneeze and redness of the eyes with rashes to major conditions like asthma attacks, persistent coughing, wheezing, and respiratory problems.
One particularly tragic case is that of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who, in 2020, succumbed to the devastating effects of prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s home in Rochdale. It sparked an outrage over the serious health hazards in damp, mould-infested properties. The impact was so huge that the then-Conservative government promised to introduce what they called “Awaab’s Law,” compelling social housing landlords to deal with the issue of mould much faster.
Now, it is expected that Labour’s renters rights bill is expected to make such protections compulsory for both social and private landlords.
Aydin Sigva of Cavitech, a renowned expert in the field of property with 20 years of experience, advises on mould and damp issues in properties for homeowners and tenants. He says that for a home to be mould-free, the real issue has to be addressed, and this usually happens with proper moisture control.
“The major cause of mould in homes in the UK is condensation, which normally occurs in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and near windows,” he says. “Older homes that are not well insulated are much more susceptible to this. Because the cold outside walls and windows create voids in the air that beg for moisture to accumulate and condense into droplets of water, not exactly the best environment for anything but mould.”.
Aydin suggests a series of practical steps to combat mould growth:
● Ventilation: “It might sound simple, but proper ventilation is the first line of defence,” “Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and make sure to open windows regularly to let out trapped moisture. Keeping windows slightly ajar can make a big difference.”
● Dehumidifiers: If airflow in your home is poor or almost non-existent, Aydin recommends using dehumidifiers. “A good-quality dehumidifier can pull excess moisture out of the air, preventing condensation from building up in the first place.”
● Fix leaks right away: Leaks in pipes, gutters, or roofing can hugely exacerbate dampness issues. “If there’s any water ingress from damaged plumbing or a leaky roof, it’s essential to fix it right away before it leads to bigger problems,”
● An easy step in condensation prevention: He advises reducing the moisture generated in a home. “Taking shorter showers, covering pots while cooking, and drying clothes outdoors when possible can significantly reduce the amount of moisture circulating in your home.”
● Insulation and Heating: Poor insulation makes homes cold and result in more condensation. Aydin advises that exterior walls should be insulated, and people should perform double-glazing wherever feasible. “Good insulation, among other things, keeps temperatures steady. No moisture will stay on cold surfaces.”
● Regular Cleaning: He also recommends wiping damp-prone areas like bathroom tiles and windowsills regularly. “Even the best-ventilated homes can still experience some moisture accumulation, but a quick wipe-down can nip it in the bud before it turns into a full-blown mould problem.”
Tenants’ Rights and Landlords’ Responsibilities
Aydin Sigva also confirms what landlords need to do about mould:
“Landlords are legally responsible for making their properties safe and habitable. If the reason for mould is poor maintenance—for example, broken windows or leaks—it’s completely in their power to sort out.”
This Labour Renters’ Rights Bill promises to take this further, extending Awaab’s law principles to include social and private landlords. It will then set in that landlords must investigate mould issues within 14 days and start to repair within a week, failing which action may be taken through the courts.
While the legislative changes are being implemented, Aydin is quick to remind tenants that prevention is always better than cure. “Taking the right steps to reduce moisture, improve ventilation, and address problems early can help prevent mould from becoming a health hazard in the first place and landlords must play their part in rectifying issues to make homes warm and damp-free.”