Rented Property - Mould Growing from Damp

ScramHorizon

I am currently renting a property in which mould grows in the main bedroom (beside the bed) and has done the whole time we've lived here.

It's gotten progressively worse and we alerted the estate agents during one of their inspection visits around a year ago. The agent told us it was likely due to a vent on the outside of the property on the other side of the wall, but nothing was ever done about this.

I bought professional products to clean the mould off, but within a week it grows back. I have today phoned the estate agents and told them how bad it's gotten and provided pictures (attached) and requested that someone be sent out to fix the problem with the damp.

They advised me a manager from the Estate Agents will come out this week and view the mould in person, which is absolutely fine.

Legality wise, what rights do I have here if they refuse to have the damp fixed and the mould is left to continue to grow.

I'm currently receiving benefits for ill-health and breathing issues and this is worrying me as I'm sure you can understand.

Thank you.

theartfullodger

Heating on, some ventilation (windows open/trickle vents)?

May I humbly enquire please, are you drying damp washing with externally vented dryer or some other way?

ScramHorizon

theartfullodger said:

Heating on, some ventilation (windows open/trickle vents)?

May I humbly enquire please, are you drying damp washing with externally vented dryer or some other way?

Had heating on, opened windows, bought a de-humidifier - basically tried all known ways we can.

Not drying any washing inside. Appears to be some issue with an external vent on the outside of the house and coming through from the outside, that's what the estate agent who visited last told us too -- don't know for 100% sure if that's the exact cause.

ScramHorizon

Attached picture of said damp.

canaldumidi

What's that circular 'hole' just above left of the phone socket?

Can you also provide a photo of the same wall externally?

But critically, have you reported this properly? In writing, to the landlord, at the address provided "for serving notices on the landlord"?

These may also help:

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/damp_and_mould_in_rented_homes

https://www.nrla.org.uk/news/damp-condensation-mould-what-landlords-need-to-know

https://www.tenancydepositscheme.com/asktds-my-tenant-has-complained-of-a-mould-and-damp-problem-what-do-i-do-next/

theartfullodger

Sounds like property too prone to damp.  And landlord don't care. Sorry, move.  

dimbo61

Most mornings I have a shower like millions of other people.
It's an ensuite next to the main bedroom.
We have 2 extractor fans.
One above the shower cubicle with a light.
The other in the ensuite and both vent to the outside.
I use a rubber scrapper to wipe down all the water off the tiles and glass door yet we still have a damp wet ceiling so the small window is left open for a few hours.
Yes we have a towel radiator and even open the door into the bedroom to create a through breeze.
Painted the ceiling with anti mould paint and still have problems.
We own our own home 
You need to wipe down the walls and ask LL to paint the walls with anti mould paint

RelievedSheff

Keep the room well heated and well ventilated. 

Clean the mould when it reappears.

There isn't much else you can do unless the landlord is willing to investigate further.