Managing mould
To manage mould, fix moisture sources, ventilate well, and clean or treat affected areas to prevent health risks
Mould is a fungus that grows in areas with high humidity and excess moisture, so that’s any part of a property where condensation and damp are present. As well as causing damage to the fabric of the property and furnishings, mould can seriously impact the health of your tenants , so it must be removed as soon as possible.
Where ‘surface mould’ has grown because of condensation, it’s commonly called ‘mildew’. Mildew thrives in humidity, which is why you’ll commonly find it in bathrooms.
It’s usually grey in colour and appears dry or powdery. In contrast, mould will burrow underneath the surface, so it can be harder to spot early and much more difficult to get rid of. It’s often raised, can be various different colours and generally looks either fuzzy or slimy.
As well as educating your tenants on the importance of good property ventilation and ensuring that the property has no structural issues that could cause a condensation, damp or mould issue, it is a good idea to also be aware that mould growth can be reduced by:
Keeping rooms at a constant temperature
Covering saucepans while cooking
Wiping away condensation as soon as it appears
Make sure doors in ‘wet areas’ are closed to avoid moisture spread
Landlords who wish to take more significant measures to deal with structural issues could consider:
Increasing insulation in the property (such as external wall insulation, internal wall insulation, cavity fill, double glazing)
Improving the ventilation in the property (installing fans, encouraging airing the property and opening windows, trickle vents, passive vents)
Improving heating in the property (regular maintenance checks on heating appliances, making sure the property is kept at a constant temperature, space heating)
Because mould stems from condensation and damp issues, if you and your tenants take all reasonable steps to prevent those occurring in the first place, you may be able to avoid mould forming in your property. See advice on preventing condensation and damp.
However, if you do end up with a mould problem, the right course of action will depend on the type of mould and what’s caused it to grow. If you don’t identify the root cause, it’s likely to grow again, causing further issues.
It should be possible to remove mildew or ‘surface mould’ fairly easily, with a specialised mould removal (fungicidal) product.
Choose one that has a Health and Safety Executive ‘approval number’ and wear protective clothing and gloves when applying it. Be very careful, as spores can be toxic and disturbing mould can increase the risk of respiratory problems.
Once you’ve removed mildew from walls and ceilings, redecorate with a good quality biocidal paint to help prevent it recurring.
For any mould growth that isn’t very obviously just a minor patch of mildew, you should consult an expert.
Mould can spread extensively behind wallpaper and tiles, and in spaces in damp brickwork, so you might only be able to see the tip of the iceberg!
You can find a damp control specialist via the Property Care Association, and check if their experts are RICS or RPSA qualified.
