Nearly half of UK renters are dealing with potentially dangerous mould in their home

Almost half of are dealing with potentially dangerous in their home.

A survey conducted by experts at Quotezone.co.uk has revealed 43% of renters have reported issues with mould or damp. It said rising concern over mould and damp in rental properties is a real issue which UK is only making worse, after the last 18 months were declared the wettest on record.

Prolonged exposure to mould spores can pose serious health risks, including allergic reactions, asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Landlords should be especially mindful if they have vulnerable groups living in their property, including older people, families with young children and individuals with respiratory conditions.

In December 2020, died aged 2 after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020. Named after him, Awaab's Law is a UK law that aims to improve the health and safety of tenants by holding landlords accountable for damp and mould in social housing.

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Expected to be implemented this autumn, it introduces stringent timelines for addressing reports of damp and mould. Upon receiving such reports, investigations must commence within 14 days, with subsequent repairs initiated within a further seven days and emergency repairs tackled within 24 hours.

It is already a landlord's responsibility to deal with damp and mould if it is caused by disrepair or poses a risk to health and safety.

Greg Wilson, CEO and insurance expert at said: “The weather in the UK over the last two years has become wetter and stormier than ever before, creating damage and issues for houses across the country.

“Coupled with the rising cost of energy, people in the UK are trying to save by reducing their heating, which in turn has created an ideal breeding ground for mould and an increase in condensation – with mould related complaints in social housing doubling over the last two years.

“But there are ways we can fight it. Regular property inspections, timely repairs and proactive maintenance are not only essential for providing an adequate living environment, they’re also crucial for preventing extensive and costly damage to the property."

The research also said 65% of tenants have hazards such as broken windows, smoke alarms not working and in their home - but one in five said despite their complaints, the problems remained unsolved.