Can You Sell A House With Mould?

CONTENTS

• The challenge of selling a mould-infested house
• Legal implications of selling a mould-infested house
• Steps to address mould before sale
• Expert advice on selling a house with mould
• The future of selling mould-infested houses
• Frequently asked questions
• Get in touch

When your home becomes infested with mould, the issue can extend beyond simple unsightly patches and the smell of mustiness. If your property is currently on the market for renting or selling, mould could be a potential deal-breaker.

At ICE Cleaning, our mould removal services can provide excellent results, working closely with your local council to create a property you will be proud to sell. We offer same-day cleaning if you require our services immediately, providing professional guidance upon completion.

Read on to understand legal obligations and expert advice that will help navigate selling or renting out a mould-infested home.

The challenge of selling a mould-infested house

Selling or renting out a house with mould is a complex matter. Mould is hazardous to health and often puts off potential buyers or tenants, significantly devaluing your property.

Buyers and tenants tend to steer clear of such properties because they know that dealing with mould infestation can be expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous. 

They will invest their money elsewhere rather than a project that might be more costly than its worth. The concern of what other potential issues may be present in the property due to a lack of care to keep it mould-free, is expected.

Legal implications of selling a mould-infested house

The Property Misdescriptions Act (1991) states that any misleading or false statements made during the sale of property can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment.

If you sell or rent out your home without disclosing its mould issue, you could be sued for misrepresentation or breach of contract. This might result in having to pay compensation, which could eliminate any profit from the sale.

Enlisting the services of proficient mould cleaners who specialise in remediation services early on can ensure resolution of your mould issue and prevent legal issues down the line.

Steps to address mould before sale

Fighting mould starts with a professional inspection. Get an expert from a mould removal company who can accurately identify the type and extent of mould.

The next step is remediation, where experts use special tools and cleaning agents to remove the infestation. You need this done professionally because improper handling might spread spores around your home.

To prevent future growth, focus on controlling moisture levels in your house. Ensure bathrooms are well-ventilated, fix leaks promptly, and maintain a balanced indoor humidity level using dehumidifiers. Lastly, regular checks for signs of mould help prevent any potential problems before it gets out of hand again.

Expert advice on selling a house with mould

Selling a house infested with mould can be hard, but with the right approach and expert guidance, you will find potential buyers more quickly.

RICS, an authority in property standards, recommends getting professional help to remove mould before putting your home up for sale. They argue that investing in mould remediation services will increase buyer confidence and boost your property's market value.

You might also need advice from real estate agents who have sold similar properties. Their experience can guide you through pricing strategies or unique selling points that highlight the remediated areas of your home.

The future of selling mould-infested houses

Technological advancements will change how we deal with mould-infested houses due to the current mould crisis. For instance, tools like Infrared Thermography, which detect temperature differences caused by dampness and mould, will make it easier to spot these issues.

New remediation techniques are also upcoming. Nanotechnology is showing promise for mould removal, which uses tiny particles to target and destroy spores without damaging your home's structure.

Laws around selling homes infested with mould may become stricter, protecting buyers and tenants from health risks and unexpected costs. If you want to sell a house with a mould infestation, you can hire the services of mould removal cleaners to step in and take control.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to sell a house with mould?

No, but UK law mandates sellers disclose any known issues like mould. Concealing such problems can lead to legal complications.

Is it bad to buy a house with mould?

Mould is not ideal as it could cause health issues and property damage. But if treated effectively, the home can still be safe and valuable.

Should you declare damp when selling a house?

It is ethical and legally necessary to inform buyers of the damp or other major issues upfront in the UK.

How much does damp devalue a house?

Damp can remove up to 20% of your property's value due to its potential impact on structural integrity and aesthetics.

Get in touch

At ICE Cleaning, we provide thorough mould remediation services where we can thoroughly clean and decontaminate your home before you secure a sale or sign a new tenancy contract. We utilise modern technology and strong solutions to clean your home and advise you on future prevention.

To learn more about our range of mould cleaning programmes, contact us today at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We offer same-day cleaning in an emergency, operating nationwide 24/7 to deliver our cleaning services when you need them.