Mould in Your Home: The Hidden Health Risks Tenants Can't Ignore
- onepropertyshop9
- Nov 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Living with mould? That sneaky black mould on your walls isn't just ugly, it's a health hazard. In the UK, 1 in 6 homes battles persistent mould, hitting renters hardest in London and Essex. Under Awaab's Law (2025), landlords must act fast, but tenants: knowing the risks empowers you to demand action. Here's the data-driven lowdown
The Stats: Mould's Toll on Your Health
Mould spores trigger allergies, infections, and worse, especially for kids, elderly, or those with asthma. Check these eye-openers from NHS and WHO data:
Health Risks | Key Stats | Impact on Tenants |
Respiratory Issues | Damp/Mould boosts asthma attacks by 40% in kids. | Wheezing, coughing - worse in poorly ventilated homes. |
Allergies & Irritations | 21% of UK adults report mould-linked symptoms like itchy red eyes/sneezing (allergic conjunctivitis & rhinitis) | Daily discomfort, absenteeism from work/school up 20%. |
Infections | Black mould exposure raises lung infection risk by 2-3x in vulnerable groups. | Hospital visits spike. NHS sees 100,000+ cases yearly. |
Mental Health Strain | Living with mould links to 30% higher anxiety/depression rates. | Stress from 'unlivable' homes, tenants report 50% more complaints. |
These aren't rare. 4 million UK renters face mould yearly, per home. Black mould (Stachybotrys) is the worst culprit, releasing toxins that inflame airways.
Tenants: Spot It, Stop It
Signs to watch: Musty odours, dark patches, worsening coughs—report via email/text for records.
Your rights: Demand a free survey; landlords must fix in 14 days (or 24hrs for emergencies).
Quick wins: Ventilate, dehumidify - but call pros, it's poisoning your home. You bleaching it and not seeing it doesn't mean it's entirely gone.
At Alpha Damp & Mould Group, we specialize in tenant-friendly treatments with a 6-month warranty. Serving London & Essex, say goodbye to mould today!
