Is it the company's responsibility to deal with mould in our student house?

Question

I rent a student house with 5 other students and in one room there is mould growing. It began as a damp patch which was there when we moved in but now it's actually black mould covering the whole wall. We called the company to let them know and asked them what needs to be done about it but they say it's because we dont open our windows enough and don't have the heating on enough and because there's 6 of us all the 'breathing' could cause it. We open the windows every morning and have the heating on for 6 hours each day to try prevent the mould. The guy also said it could be the shower which is in the next room. We also have another shower but the room next to the other shower isnt mouldy so can the mould really be caused by that? Also, the wall which is mouldy is the outside wall which isn't connected to the shower room as the shower room is next to a different wall. Is it the company's responsibility to sort this? The room is so bad that my friend can't even sleep in it because it makes her ill and she's had to put all her stuff into bags becuase everything started to smell and become damp. She's tried a damp trap and a dehumidifier but the mould still grows. What cold be causing the mould?

Update:

We don't dry clothes indoors to avoid the issue. We have the windows open for at least 3 hours every day. We have the heating on for 6 hours a day (3 in morning, 3 in night). We always have windows open during and after showers and also use the bathroom fan after showers. We've scrubbed away the mould on numerous occasions but it just keeps coming back.

Update 2:

Dave, we actually do have the windows open for that amount of time because we are trying to combat the problem, believe it or not. I have the window open for about 2 hours in the morning to get rid of condensation and then an hour in the evening because I get too warm.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Mould is a common case between landlords and tenants, and it is 100% their responsibility. My partner is a property manager, and she has been through 100 cases of this.

Mould is not only disgusting, it's a health risk. Just threaten to take legal action, and they will sort it out.

? · Answer

Moukd is never an easy one to answer, as it could be either sides issue.  It is being caused by moisture in the air not being able to get out.  Now have you put the moisture there, or is there a fault in the building letting it in?  90% of the time, it is the former, but who knows in this case?

You say you have windows open 3 hours a day?  Of course you do in November when it's under 10 degrees ;)

Have a read at this: http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/utilities/action/act_download.cfm?mediaid=5420

If that does no good, have a chat with the Environmental Health Officer at your local council.

? · Answer

It is you who are causing the mould, so open your windows more often, and let fresh air in
 leave indoor doors ajar. and largely let all  the stale air circulate out
The other main cause of mould is damp washing hanging around on clothes driers or on radiators
Clean the mould off with diluted bleach and a stiff brush, just don't leave it to grow anymore

? · Answer

the cause is usually drying washing indoors, not enough ventilation, showering without a fan. Buy some bleach and wipe it up, repeat when necessary.

housework, not gadgets.

Anonymous · Answer

The link below has some handy tips to deal with the issue and how it can be prevented.

Cathi K · Answer

Did you try cleaning it with bleach water? That gets rid of most mold. There is a really good mold remover at the grocery store also.

Ryan · Answer

yes

? · Answer

get legal advice

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Is it the company's responsibility to deal with mould in our student house?

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