Just found mould (see photo). My responsibility to fix?

[Ellessdee]

Not sure if this is down to me or landlord to fix. In my bedroom in the corner, underneath the window behind some drawers, there's mould from the bottom of the wall tracking up about 4 ft. I keep my house ventilated, I dry my clothes in a big room downstairs that's unlikely to be affected by mould. Problem is it is a really old house, the bathroom is next to my bedroom, when I've had a shower even with the windows open, as soon as I open the bathroom door I end up with a bit of condensation in my room. There's no extractor fan in the bathroom so having windows open on a still day is a bit useless. Do I need to ask LL for a mould inspection? Or would that be pointless for this small bit of mould? If it's down to me, what's the best way to get rid and stopping it coming back?!

I don't think that a faulty damp proof course is going to make any difference to mould in the bedroom. I'm wondering if you have some penetrating damp due to the cable box on the wall? If it no longer works it might be best to ask for it to be removed. Obviously if there are multiple entries for cables it's possible to get moisture seeping through.

No one is asking you to put them in the middle of the room, they just need to be not right up against the wall. So just move them three inches forward.

So the mould is on an outside wall behind furniture? And the furniture is also blocking the radiator?

Not surprised there is mould. Let air and heat circulate. Spray with bleach/mould spray.

The replastering in the corner suggests a previous problem. I would also ask for an extractor fan. With our a fan, door shut and window open.

Email again starting with -further to my email/following up from my email- keep emailing weekly until you get a satisfactory response. Do you rent via an agency? If so contact them too, unless you already have.

Yep on the furniture just make sure there is about 5 cm at least between the back of the furniture and the wall, this will allow air to circulate

I remember a friend lived in a 1930s ex council flat and the skirting boards were actually curved at the bottom to prevent occupants from pushing furniture right against the wall.

I haven't moved the drawers from their usual spot though. Theyre not actually against the bit where the mould is.

Op please research properly before trying to self remove mould.

You will release mould spores in the air.

I've just been reading about this and how wiping it without eradicating it will just spread it about 😬

@Ellessdee ahh my apologiea in any case.

HG mould remover is good. As is white vinegar. You need to kill the spores.

But do tell your landlord in case it is something other than condensation causing it. I is rubbish when this happens, but doubly so when you are a tenant as often you don't get the chance to understand the quirks of the building like owners do.

Lasr flat we rented before buying the bedroom ceiling got mouldly and the landlord insisted it was our fault but we could hear water dripping in to the roof space when it rained (I suspected the chimney flashing was failing).

But I dutifully removed the mould and kept the room as warm and well ventilated as I could.

In America they take mould very seriously,wear hazmet suits

It's a bit of both. The landlord needs to ensure it is easy for you to keep the property well ventilated. An extractor fan would be helpful, as would fixing the bathroom door so it closes properly.

For your part, you need to do what you can to air it out and keep treating problem areas. Now you know that specific area is prone to mould, I suggest pulling the chest of drawers out on a regular basis and spraying mould spray or vinegar. You could consider using a dehumidifier or desiccant packs. Dehumidifier is an expensive investment for you, so perhaps the landlord would supply one?

Unless the landlord is threatening to charge you for mould damage, the questions of liability and responsibility should be somewhat academic. Hopefully both you and the landlord are sufficiently clued up that you're both very keen to keep the mould at bay and ready to work together on it. Mould can be quite toxic, and you don't want to be breathing it. It can also damage the landlord's property, and the LL should want to prevent that. You are on the same side.