Want to know more? Enter you details here and we'll respond as soon as possible.
What is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungi and is present everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mould is often green, grey, brown or black and produces a musty smell.
Reasons for mould growth
Light, humidity and moisture provide ideal conditions for mould to germinate and grow. Cooking, clothes drying, showers, baths and breathing all cause condensation - the single biggest reason for mould growth.
Effects of mould
Mould is ugly, destructive and most importantly, a hazard to health.
The spores released by mould are both an aggravation and cause of asthma, and are so hazardous that:
- Mould is classed as a category one risk to health, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System2004.This is the same class as asbestos.
- The Environmental Protection Act (1990) defines mould as a statutory nuisance that must be treated.
Don't ignore the risk
If mould and damp are not treated properly they could lead to:
- Court action
- Legal action
- Compensation
- Low tenant satisfaction
- Negative impact on reputation
Legal responsibility
Landlords, councils and housing associations are legally bound to clear any outbreak within a 28 day time frame under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1998.
Traditional methods
Mould is usually treated by simply covering it with normal paint. As no diagnosis is involved, no proper treatment can be given and the root remains, so mould comes back.
At the moment it takes up an awful lot of our time deducing what the causes (of mould) are and speaking with occupants, advising them. Anyone who can come in and provide a full solution to this can only be an asset to us.
Robert Witney, Bristol City Council
