The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has commissioned buy to let expert Kate Faulkner to assess issues in the private rental sector – and she says a key priority for agents and landlords should be to tackle damp, condensation and mould.

Kate Faulkner, founder of PropertyChecklists.co.uk and consultancy Designs on Property, says in a report for the TDS Charitable Foundation that agents and landlords should treat the problems with greater urgency. 

Her report finds that 41 per cent of renters have experienced mould and 38 per cent have experienced damp. 

“Damp and mould is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems in the UK private rental sector, affecting the lives and properties of literally millions of people. But the problem is completely avoidable” she insists.

“By tackling these perennial problems, we can significantly improve the sector, not only in terms of the quality of the tenants’ experience but also the value of properties and landlords’ yields.

“There are a number of steps that the sector as a whole must take to drive out damp, condensation and mould. Many people, including residents, landlords and even agents, do not recognise the first signs of these problems occurring, or understand how to fix them. 

“There is also confusion over whose responsibility it is to treat the problem, so the first step is to educate the PRS on damp, condensation and mould in terms of prevention, identification, and treatment” she says.

Faulkner believes a tenant checklist could be introduced to assess a property before a lease begins, or more comprehensive surveys before buy to let mortgages are granted could help avoid substandard properties with existing water issues entering the market.

“Although damp, mould and condensation can be the basis of disputes between tenants and landlords over who should shoulder the burden of correcting it, it is always in the landlord’s interest to nip it in the bud and fix the problem” she adds.

“Damp and mould can lead to respiratory and health problems for the tenant for whom landlords are legally obliged to provide and maintain a safe and comfortable property. If a tenant identifies a moisture problem in the property, it is their responsibility to report it in writing to the agent or landlord. If they do not respond within 14 days or fail to make repairs, they may be unable to evict the tenant further down the line.

“Not only are there legal obligations on landlords to bear the burden of damp and mould repairs, but if left untreated, the problem will only spread, costing more to fix, reducing the resale value of the property and its potential rental income.”

You can read Faulkner’s full report here.