Why mould in your home is more serious than most people realise
The Awaab Ishak case changed how UK law views landlord responsibility for damp. Here is what homeowners and tenants should know about mould risk.
Mould is a warning.
Listen to it.
Understand what mould is telling you about your building. Take the report seriously, investigate the moisture and plan the right response.
Find your next step
Act early. Follow it through.
Report and record it
Record where the mould is, when it appeared and whether it is recurring. If you rent, report the issue to your landlord promptly.
Investigate the moisture
Leaks, condensation and building defects need different responses. Find the source rather than repeatedly covering over the signs.
Address the cause
Appropriate repairs, ventilation and moisture management belong at the centre of the response. Consider who is affected and how urgently they need support.
Review what happens next
Keep a record of the work, communicate with residents and check whether the problem returns. Air purification can be a supporting measure; it cannot repair a damp building.
Clear answers.
Better decisions.
Will an air purifier remove mould from a wall?
No. A purifier does not remove established mould or repair the moisture source. Arrange an appropriate investigation and remedial work.
Why does mould keep coming back?
The underlying source of moisture may still be present. Repeated surface treatment alone may not resolve leaks, defects, condensation or ventilation problems.
Is this only a cosmetic problem?
Damp and mould can affect health. Take concerns seriously, particularly where residents are vulnerable, and seek appropriate professional advice.
What should a landlord do first?
Listen to the report, assess the risk and arrange a timely investigation. Follow the applicable housing duties and current official guidance.
Where does air purification fit?
A suitable HEPA unit may help capture airborne particles as part of a wider response. It does not remove the need to address the source of damp or mould.
Go a little deeper.
Condensation, mould and rising damp: understanding the differences
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are different problems with different causes and different solutions. Getting the diagnosis right is essential.
Indoor air quality in rental properties: a guide for tenants
Tenants have more rights than ever when it comes to damp, mould and unhealthy air. Here is what you are entitled to and how to pursue it effectively.
Read the guidance at its source.
Government guidance explains the health risks of damp and mould and the responsibilities of housing providers.
Government damp & mould guidanceExplore HEPA filtration.
Hepa Room
£699Whole-room active purification for living spaces
Explore Hepa RoomHEPA Pro
£899Filtration, odour treatment and active purification for larger rooms
Explore HEPA ProAirborne spores.
The building still comes first.
Mould releases spores into the air, but visible growth points to a moisture problem that needs investigation and appropriate treatment. A purifier does not remove established mould, fix damp or replace repairs and remediation.
Where HEPA Pro may fit.
HEPA filtration can capture airborne particles that pass through the unit. Consider HEPA Pro as a supporting measure in a wider response, with room suitability and operating guidance checked first.
The manufacturer’s manual explains the product’s operation. It does not establish a guaranteed outcome in this setting. Room layout, ventilation, use and maintenance matter.
A better next step
starts with a conversation.
Tell us about your space. We’ll help you understand the options.
Talk to our team