As a landlord, you must make sure your rental properties are free from damp and mould.
If left untreated these problems can have significant impacts on the physical and mental health of your tenants.
What is damp in your property
Damp is the accumulation of moisture in a building. It impacts both building materials and furnishings.
It not only causes damage to the building and its contents, but it also creates an environment for mould to flourish.
Damp and mould can be caused by:
- condensation
- leaking pipes or blocked gutters and overflows
- rising damp
- penetrating damp
Landlord responsibilities
If a tenant reports damp and mould in their home, landlords should respond promptly and, where there is significant damp and mould, address it urgently.
You mustn't assume damp and mould is a tenant-caused lifestyle issue.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to deal with it if it is caused by disrepair or poses a risk to health and safety.
Landlords must ensure that homes have measures in place to minimise damp and mould, including:
- regular property inspections and prompt remedy of deficiencies
- establishing a routine program of maintenance and management
If a tenant reports damp and mould landlords should:
- identify the source of the damp
- determine if any property defects contribute
- carry out necessary remedial works
Further advice
You can find our advice on the measures you can take to minimise damp and mould in your property in our Checklist for Landlords - condensation, damp and mould.
Landlords and agents can sign up to receive regular updates and guidance to register by contacting landlordsupport@sheffield.gov.uk.