In this three-minute read, we look at what a new
survey about mould in UK homes reveals about the tenant/landlord relationship.

Let's
unpack what Kent landlords can learn from the findings
of the memorably titled Mouldy Nation Report.

Firstly,
before you ask, yes there really is a document called the Mouldy Nation Report
(we're not making it up).

Uswitch,
an energy and finance comparison website, produced the report after surveying
2,000 people from across the UK about mould in their homes. It found that:

• 62% of people have an issue with mould in
  their home.

• Of those with a mould problem, 64% were
  renting (private, student, or social).

• 40% of people wouldn't clean mould themselves
  if they were in a rented home.

• 64% of people believe it is the landlord's
  sole responsibility to rectify a mould problem.

Interestingly
(or infuriatingly), those who reported mould in their home, also fessed up to
contributing to the problem by:

• Drying clothes indoors (40%).

• Leaving the kitchen or bathroom door open when
  cooking or showering (22%).

• Putting furniture directly against walls
  (21%).

• Keeping the shower curtain folded when wet
  (11%).

• Leaving spillages instead of cleaning them up
  (6%).

For
the record, it's the landlord's responsibility to repair a problem that is
causing mould (leaks, broken damp proof courses, inadequate insulation). The
landlord must also remove mould that is affecting a tenant's health and safety.

But
it takes two to tango, and it is the tenant's responsibility to:

• Adequately ventilate the property within
  reasonable means.
• Keep the property clean.

Two
broader issues jump out at us here. They are:

1. As a landlord, you must keep your property in
   good condition. If there is a structural issue causing the mould, deal
   with it. Also, make sure extraction fans and the heating are working, so
   your tenant has no excuse to claim it's your fault.

2. Landlords are not nannies or babysitters;
they shouldn't have to explain basic hygiene to a tenant who thinks it's okay
to ignore spillages and leave wet shower curtains curled up. You must invest the
time at the beginning of a tenancy to find the right tenant, someone who will
keep up their end of the bargain by keeping your property clean and tidy.

The
team at CWB Propertyare experienced at tenant
selection. As well as running credit checks, we go through references with a
fine-tooth comb, because life's too short to be giving cleanliness lectures or
straightening other people's shower curtains.

From
the team at CWB Property, thanks for reading. If you'd like to
learn more about our tenant selection and property management services, get in
touch.

COPYRIGHT CWB Property 2021