Black Mould Throughout a Rental Property – A Real Case Study
This level of contamination doesn’t just look unsightly – it poses a serious health risk. Prolonged exposure to high humidity and black mould spores can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, skin irritation and, in the case of vulnerable tenants, potentially life-threatening conditions.
Why this matters for landlords – Awaab’s Law
Under the new Awaab’s Law, landlords are now legally required to respond promptly to mould and damp issues in rental properties. Allowing problems like this to escalate not only risks tenant health, but can also lead to legal action and enforcement. This case highlights why independent damp and mould surveys are essential for landlords who want to stay compliant and protect their tenants.
What caused the problem?
Our investigation revealed several issues:
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Overcrowding – the previous tenants were a family of 8 living in a 3-bedroom property. This level of occupancy produced very high levels of moisture and humidity.
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Poor ventilation – the existing mechanical extract fans were not working, meaning everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors created excess moisture with nowhere to escape.
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Lack of insulation – the loft had insufficient insulation, contributing to cold surfaces where condensation formed and mould thrived.
How we resolved it
We carried out a full package of remedial measures:
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Safe black mould removal throughout the property, making the home habitable again.
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Installation of new mechanical extract fans in key areas to improve ventilation.
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Upgrading the loft insulation, reducing cold bridging and condensation risk.
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Advice to the landlord: limit occupancy to a suitable number of tenants to prevent a repeat of the issue.
By tackling both the mould itself and the underlying causes, we were able to hand the property back to the landlord in a safe and compliant condition.