When condensation and mould is caused by the tenant?

And they wonder why “no fault” evictions are issued. Sounds to me like you are doing everything you can as a landlord but if you issue a S21 you will be demonised as “I complained and the landlord just kicked me out.” Just like the comment on Martin Lewis show last night and Shelter yet has more ammunition to spin on “bad” landlords.

I had a tenant who was continually complaining of mould, explained why , advised ventilation , indoor drying of clothes cooking with no ventilation etc. They didn't believe me and reported it to the councils housing dept (Peterborough). They inspected the house and told the tenant exactly what our managing agent had been telling her. The penny finally dropped with her. You can lead a horse to water! issue a section 21 , see if that elicits a reasonable response from the tenant. inform and reinspect after a reasonable time , rescinding the section 21 if they respond positively. Take photographic evidence.

Morning Harry, this issue has become so prevalent in recent months and whilst damp and mould can be the result of issues with the property itself, our experience and that of others I have spoken to, is that tenants living habits are often a major contributing factor. It comes down to being able to identify the cause of the issue. Take a look at Resisure.co.uk - for a minimal cost you can implement a single sensor that will collect valuable data that will help identify if it is (and prove) tenant habits. I have seen numerous landlords (including councils) use this form of technology to better understand the issues.

Don’t waste any more time on this. Issue a Section 21 immediately while you’re still able to do so.

And they wonder why private Llr'ds are exiting the sector..
I'd be tempted to manage the situation by issuing a S21 notice...
Obtain a specialist report thats states the cause of the issue ie lifestyle, plus review the rent up by say 10%.
Fulfil your obligation to be good landlord and document your actions as such, be firm and have little sympathy, ultimately always remember that never a good deed goes unpunished..
And if all else fails consider that S21 while you still can..

I have had two problems of this type, including one tenant (in 2021) who took two-hour showers, and refused to use the brand new professionally-installed extractor/heater, as he feared that it would electrocute him! We had a huge issue of black mould throughout the property, and serious complaints from the LA. The solution was simple. Install a Nuaire PIV unit in the loft. Hard wire it in, so the tenant cannot turn it off. Cost was about £500, installed. They are very cheap to run. Bingo. No issues since.

I have found a simple solution to this problem: I use HG Mould Spray . Just spray it on and leave the room - within a few hours all signs of mould will have vanished! You may need to go in once a month for repeat applications. Yes, it is caused by the tenant's lifestyle, and more of my peers are experiencing this with people working from home and/or not using the heating. I am told a permanent running fan, either imput or extract, will also solve this.

I would be careful with this guy, he sounds financially stressed. Cut your losses, time the repairs with the s21 and stay on top of the work until he goes. Keep in mind he'll probably try to use the mould to invalidate the s21 through disrepair. Keep records of his complaints and your contractor visits to demonstrate you're doing the work.

You could also try talking to him, see if you can coax him out rather him dealing with an eviction. Unlikely, but worth a shot. Good luck.

Yes. I received a solicitors' letter out of the blue, alleging damp and damage to health. I had owned the property for 15 years without any such issue arising. The fault was with the tenants, not heating and ventilating the property and trying to air/dry wet clothing on radiators. I had the agents send a letter confirming our diagnosis of the problem and instructing the tenants to follow the condensation guidance supplied at the start of their tenancy and to wipe off the black spot and yellow spores to prevent marking to the paintwork. I sued the tenants for the damage done and for the rent they had sought to withhold. They and their solicitor would not venture into Court and settled my claim in full. The tenants left under a Section 21 Notice.
I used a damp meter which indicated that there was no ingrained damp problem in the walls. That might work for you. It sounds though as if you might need an expert opinion confirming that the alleged damp is in fact condensation and you might present this to the Council. These officials sometimes know relatively little and are easily influenced by tenants. The problem also look a lot worse than it really is. A Section 21 Notice might beckon?

I don't get mould in new build flats so i am sure it is to do with older buildings, less insulation, less efficient windows etc .So does that mean all older properties should be banned from being rented out , which would lead to what!
If you live in an older style property you need to wipe off condensation daily, but of course most tenants won't. I have one tenant who does and guess what, no mould.
Instead government of all colours who seem to favour the tenant vote just pushes the problem on to the landlord and by banning no fault eviction solves the problem.