A recent survey conducted by Finbri, a bridging finance broker, has revealed that 33.73% of UK renters have experienced issues with damp or mould in their rental properties.
The survey of 1,001 UK renters sheds light on a growing issue that poses a significant health risk to tenants, particularly babies, children, and older people.
According to the report, those with damp and mould in their homes are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems, infections, allergies, and asthma.
In severe cases, damp and mould can even cause death. Stephen Clark from Finbri said, “Damp and mould in rental properties are clearly a concern for tenants from a risk to health perspective, but it’s also a significant concern for landlords too.”
Aside from the moral obligation to remedy such issues, a rental property with mould or damp problems will be detrimental to the landlord’s revenue potential, and long-term it risks their asset.
The UK Renters Report 2023 also discovered that 22% of renters have had excessive delays on maintenance work being completed by a landlord or a letting agent, with 21.48% experiencing unresolved maintenance issues.
The survey found that 12.89% of tenants feel unable to complain about poor property conditions for fear of eviction, and 12.69% are afraid complaints could lead to rent increases.
The fear of complaining only adds to the physical health risks damp and mould pose to tenants.
With more than one-third of renters experiencing damp and mould issues in rental properties, the report highlights the need for landlords and letting agents to take the necessary steps to ensure their properties are safe and healthy for tenants.
