Kate Faulkner, founder of PropertyChecklists.co.uk and consultancy Designs on Property Ltd (pictured above), made these claims in a report commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation.

In the report, it was found that 41% of renters have experienced mould and 38% have experienced damp.

“Damp and mould is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems in the UK PRS affecting the lives and properties of literally millions of people, but the problem is completely avoidable,” Kate said.

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“By tackling these perennial problems, we can significantly improve the PRS, not only in terms of the quality of the tenants’ experience, but also the value of properties and landlords’ yields.”

Kate has suggested that a tenant checklist could be introduced to assess properties before leases begin or, alternatively, ensure more comprehensive surveys are carried out before buy-to-let mortgages are granted.

If a tenant reports a moisture problem, landlords have 14 days to respond or make repairs.

Failure to do so may mean they will not be able to evict the tenant further down the line.

“Damp and mould can lead to respiratory and health problems for the tenant for whom landlords are legally obliged to provide and maintain a safe and comfortable property,” Kate added.

“If we can effectively educate the PRS to resolve the prevalence of damp, condensation and mould, we will be improving the lives of millions of people, while increasing house prices and potential rental incomes.”