Landlord wants me to pay for mould that was there before me

Mryoto123

Hi all,

I'll give all the necessary info!
I moved in Jan 2021. In the inventory, there is a mention of "Few mould spots above window." 
This is in the bathroom. They have an enclosed shower where the door doesn't remain open.

As I live alone I always leave the toilet doors open.

This has now progressively gotten a lot worse. The roof is basically covered in mould. The landlords have been in and out of the property since and have been to the bathroom. However, I have never formally told them about this (i.e not via agency or text etc)

Now they want me to pay to have the mould issue fixed

I am almost certain that this is condensation mould, but all the mould originated from the window and is where majority of it is.

Assuming this is condensation mould, am I responsible for fixing this?

Many thanks for your help

Slithery

Mryoto123 said:

Assuming this is condensation mould, am I responsible for fixing this?

Yes. Why did you not report this to the LL when you fist noticed the problem or take steps to improve the situation?

Maskface

What does the contract say about ensuring you notify them of any issues or problems in a timely manner? Why didn't you formally tell them about this?

michael1234

Clearly there was mould before they moved in. I would be suing the landlord for personal injury. You might well get a no win no fee lawyer to help you with this.

Some of us landlords try to do the right thing and then we hear this?

davilown

Have you sprayed it with bleach to get rid of it? Do you leave the window in the bathroom open to vent the area?

lookstraightahead

What would you do if you owned the house? Would you have left the mould there 

K_S

@mryoto123 Reminds me of when I used to rent in London and moved around quite a bit. Almost every cheap (and poorly built) flat-conversion that I lived in had mould in the bathroom that progressively got worse during winter. Every time the tenancy ended, the agent/LL would try to get some money out of me (after trying to negotiate it downwards) but went away once I politely and firmly told them that I'll raise a dispute. If the property is managed, it's helpful to remember that agents will usually charge an LL if they want any support with a formal deposit dispute.

The one time it went to a formal adjudication, the mould was deemed to be acceptable wear-and-tear through normal use. If it goes to a deposit-dispute, the your LL will struggle to get much given that the opening inventory mentions some mould and if they have carried out multiple inspections during the period of the tenancy. 

But I would recommend not engaging too much with them on this. Just politely mention that you do not agree with the proposed deduction and would rather raise it as a dispute with the scheme. Worst case scenario the ruling is that you pay what is asked, so there's nothing lost.

sammyjammy

I don't understand how you have lived in a property where its got to the extent that the bathroom ceiling is covered in mould without telling anyone or even pointing it out when the landlord visited.  Thats a health hazard?  did you just ignore it and let it build up?

maisie_cat

A bucket of water with bleach and either a mop or a microfibre cloth will get rid of most mould.
We get mould here, our cottage is solid stone and it's caused by condensation.
We have windows open all year, and once or twice a year I go round and clean it, job done.
I see it as part of the seasonal regular cleaning of the property and would expect that to be done by either a tenant or an owner. 

[Deleted User]

I think the fact there were a few mould spots above the window recorded in inventory is your get out clause if deposit is in dispute.

However, big difference between a few spots and then the ceiling being covered in it. You should have reported it.

Amixo3032

If your tenancy is fully managed then report the agency , the LL should be paying for this NOT you. So do not hand any money over , he should be sorting this out for you as it’s his property