Britain is in the grip of a new mould crisis, a leading property agent has warned. 

Jonathan Rolande says he is seeing more and more cases of mould infestations inside properties and fears the problem is getting worse.

His warning comes amid fears bedbugs are also becoming a rising issue for many renters and home owners.

“Damp and mouldy homes don’t just make life a misery – they put lives at risk. I fear the cost of living crisis is only making this issue more acute” claims Rolande, who is a spokesperson for the National Association of Property Buyers.

“I am seeing more and more cases of this at the moment in properties I am viewing and in pictures shared with me by colleagues in the industry” he says.

Explaining the main reasons properties suffer with dampness, Rolande adds: “Rain is a massive contributory factor. This can enter the home through a porous external wall or because of defective guttering or roofing. Once it has penetrated it soaks into insulation and plasterwork. 

“This is a perfect environment for mould to grow. The UK is experiencing increasing amounts of torrential rainfall.

“Rising damp is a problem too. A more unusual cause as most properties built after 1930 have an adequate damp proof course to stop moisture from the ground from entering the home. However, the course can be breached if soil or paving is built up around the outside walls.

“Condensation often creates damp as well. We all experience condensation in our homes when cooking or after a shower. Good ventilation is key, moisture has to be allowed to escape. Many people don’t ventilate adequately in an effort to preserve warmth in the home.”