some sort of mould in rented accomodation what should be done?

clutton_2

windows should be capable of being opened to allow exit for fire.

i had a house that was totally black/blue with mould upstairs - i realised that the tenant was drying her clothes in the spare room, not opening windows, and not heating the house hardly ever as she used to go to her mums a lot.

my latest tenants open the windows all the time, hangs washing outside and heats the house and there is no sign of any mould

have you got a lot of furniture all shoved up against the walls ? this can prevent air-flow thru a property.

Rabiddog_2

Young Children and mould dont mix. you are exposing them to the spores and I would hazard a guess that it could lead to asthma either sooner or later. And with a new-born child that would be even more problematic. Asthma can be a life-long condition once contracted.

bubblesmoney

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_health_issues

Removing one of the three requirements for mold reduces or eliminates the new growth of mold. These three requirements are 1) Moisture, 2) Food source for the mold spores (dust, dander, etc), and 3) Warmth (mold generally does not grow in cold environments).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_assessment_and_remediation

Food sources for molds in buildings include cellulose-based materials, such as wood, cardboard, and the paper facing on both sides of drywall, and all other kinds of organic matter, such as soap, dust and fabrics. Carpet contains dust made of organic matter such as skin cells.

also see if this helps http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

http://www.epa.gov/mold/preventionandcontrol.html

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.

see link above for details on how to keep humidity low

i found this link informative about cleaning issues http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/momo/momo_005.cfm

house184

If you are in the fixed term you can't just up and leave with the Landlord agreeing to a surrender. I'd just google your Local Authorities website and find the number of their Environmental Health service. Ask for a Housing Health and Safety Rating check (HHSR), they might take some nagging but they do it.

milliebear00001

Just a quick additional point. Although there are certainly things you can do to improve ventilation; in a really problematic house (usually old and poorly designed) you will not eradicate condensation. I lived in a property where we did all the recommended things, but still had dreadful mold. My property (rented) had no kitchen extractor, night storage heaters etc, and was poorly insulated. It is impossible to have your heating on all the time in winter (for example) while also keeping windows open for ventilation - imagine the cost for a start! After fighting a losing battle with the mold for a year, we moved out. I would talk to environmental health re. whether our property is deemed habitable. If it is, I would approach your landlord and explain you are not happy to have a newborn in a property as damp as his/hers and that you would like to terminate the contract early.

lynne1985

thanks for all the advice i will check out the links given when i have a minute, think the problems been located, the coal fire has been taken out but the chimney has been left open and the rain has came down it damaging the wall and plasterboard that was put over it to block it off, the whole wall is riddled with dampness. if i get enviromental health out will they contact the landlord?

Microstar_2

Wikipedia links are all very well, but I have personal experience of dealing with mould and it can be very difficult to eradicate. Many older houses have damp walls (often no cavity and no DPC). The only way to get the house really dry is to have all the windows open throughout a scorching hot summer - easier said than done! Opening the windows and turning the heating up a bit in this weather won't make much impact.

It sounds like your LL has only recently bought this house and maybe didn't realise the situation. As a LL myself I wouldn't expect a tenant to live in the conditions your described, particularly not a pregnant lady. I would speak to your LL first about terminating the AST early and return of deposit. If he is not immediately agreeable then contact the EHO/council etc as per advice in other posts.

tbs624

Was the property standing empty for a while before your tenancy began?

As the others have said, mould in properties is not straightforward to deal with. Obviously the property needs to be in a good state of repair but the tenant does have to open windows/use extractor fans when cooking showering etc , and keep the hanging of wet washing indoors to an absolute minimum. Adequate heating is also important.

Yes, if you contact the EHO they will want to talk to the LL. You shouldn't have windows that won't open or are sealed shut with paint etc. Has the LL had any replastering work done recently, that hasn't properly dried out?

Have a look here for some helpful info on causes and possible solutions http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/pdf/Mould.pdf

PasturesNew

In answer to just one of your specific questions: yes a dehumidifier would be an instant help. But, be aware of the electricity it will be using.

Debt_Free_Chick

lynne1985 wrote: »

if i get enviromental health out will they contact the landlord?

Only if the LL is refusing to put things right. What's the current position with the LL? Have you suggested to him that the removal of the chimney could be a problem?