Landlord thinks we have pets, even though we don't. May refuse to renew our tenancy?

need_an_answer

Moon.cat wrote: »

I can't say I noticed it visibly in the area they mentioned. But I know mould can be "cleaned" off with mould spraye etc. I only noticed the very strong smell of damp, especially in that area.

so if the mould was not there when you moved in the chances are that it is a lifestyle issue.

You probably need to read up on mould and how to treat it.

Yes you can use sprays to get rid of it but the most effective way is to change how you ventilate things.


You will need to address the issue yourself simply because if the mould was not mentioned on the inventory and not evident when you moved in,when you move out there is likely to be a deposit deduction made in respect of rectifying the mould.


If you have been there for 4 months and an agency manages your tenancy then it is likely that approx. 8 weeks before your tenancy is due to expire you will be contacted to ask what you want to do going forward

The options usually are
leave on the tenancy end date
Agree to a new fixed term tenancy
go onto a rolling month by month tenancy

choice is yours really

Moon.cat

need_an_answer wrote: »

so if the mould was not there when you moved in the chances are that it is a lifestyle issue.

You probably need to read up on mould and how to treat it.

Yes you can use sprays to get rid of it but the most effective way is to change how you ventilate things.


You will need to address the issue yourself simply because if the mould was not mentioned on the inventory and not evident when you moved in,when you move out there is likely to be a deposit deduction made in respect of rectifying the mould.


If you have been there for 4 months and an agency manages your tenancy then it is likely that approx. 8 weeks before your tenancy is due to expire you will be contacted to ask what you want to do going forward

The options usually are
leave on the tenancy end date
Agree to a new fixed term tenancy
go onto a rolling month by month tenancy

choice is yours really

We have managed to maintain and clear up mould in the rest of the property. There is no smell of damp or any mould in the upstairs (main) part of the property.
We open windows when drying clothes or cooking/after showering and try and keep it well heated as best as we can, we have electric storage heaters so unfortunately the heat isn't always on, but the majority of the flat will stay warm.

The problem with this specific area is is it is very cold. There is no radiator or window in this area, only cold coming from front door next to it. As much as we try to.clear it up with spray etc, it still smells very strongly like damp in that area. It is in the downstairs part of the stairs and there is also no electric outlet to plug any heating into. Any moist air in the flat condenses on this freezing cold wall and we have no way to ventilate or give warmth to this part of the property. This was the area that smelt like damp when I came to see the property and the day we moved in. I feel it is a reoccurring problem in this specific part of the property.

need_an_answer

Then move when your tenancy agreement ends....


If you noticed the smell on viewing the property and then went on to sign a tenancy agreement that in itself is an acceptance of the situation and whilst you continue to live there you will need to maintain the problem.

gomer

Moon.cat wrote: »

I can't say I noticed it visibly in the area they mentioned. But I know mould can be "cleaned" off with mould spraye etc. I only noticed the very strong smell of damp, especially in that area.

Then that's the area where you need a put a dehumidifier as the cold air is pooling in that spot. I had a spot the same. Seriously, just buy a dehumidifier. It will change your life trust me.

comeandgo

"The problem with this specific area is is it is very cold. There is no radiator or window in this area, only cold coming from front door next to it. As much as we try to.clear it up with spray etc, it still smells very strongly like damp in that area. It is in the downstairs part of the stairs and there is also no electric outlet to plug any heating into. "

Would you be able to buy an extension lead? We have one that is 30m long, but most hardware shops sell 3 metre ones.

Moon.cat

Only problem with a lead is it would be going down the stairs and the stairs are quite narrow, but it's worth a shot, will just have to be careful. Do you think having some of those little moisture pots will do anything either?

Also as much as we'd like to keep on top of the mould, I'm still worried the LL thinks the cause of it is pets, even though it is definitely likely to be from drying clothes indoors etc. Just seems like even if the mould in that area is gone, the LL seens to be actively trying to find "evidence" of pets, like this imaginary patch of "pee" which I didn't even see as I left for work before the inspection, I would have stept right in it as I left.

gomer

I tried those moisture pots for almost a year. They are not really up to the job for this sort of damp. You only have one option. Go on ebay and get a second hand one just to get you through the winter. You won't regret it.

AnotherJoe

Reply to the landlord that you do not have pets and you believe the damp is from water blown under the door from outside as that area is the only place in the house there is any damp, and can they please inspect the door to see how it can be fixed.
You could also look at those DIY flexible strips you stick on the bottom of a door to stop draughts.