The combination of cold, damp weather and struggling families cutting back on energy by shunning the tumble dryer and central heating has lead to a rise in the amount of homes with mould problems this winter.
Condensation is the most common form of damp which can lead to mould growth. It appears when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window or a cold wall, and it can be caused by not ventilating or heating your home properly.
However, mould can also be caused by poor insulation or faulty heating, which are the responsibility of the landlord if you live in a rented property. Under an amendment in 2018 to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, tenants can apply to the court if they believe their rental home is “unfit for human habitation”, which it would be if excessive damp and condensation are causing significant mould problems.
