Although chemical treatment and mould paint can be used as a temporary measure for mould and damp they do not offer a permanent solution.

According to Universities UK, over 2 million students were studying at UK higher education institutes in 2016-17. There are many common concerns for students with rented student accommodation including unpaid bills or rent, getting deposits back at the end of the tenancy and dealing with house repairs. A common problem that students come across in rented accommodation is mould. This tends to be a significant issue within student properties due to the number of individuals living in the same property and because the majority of the time the accommodation remains occupied by the tenant.

Research reveals that mould is the least appealing factor when viewing a home. 44% of people said they'd be put off buying a home if it had mould.

The most common causes of mould and mildew are high humidity, condensation and water leaks (which are often hidden). Mould is a common household problem. It can be caused by poor ventilation, leaks and excess moisture in the air, which causes condensation. Every day activities such as bathing, cleaning, cooking and even fish tanks and indoor plants can cause dampness in the air, leading to condensation and eventually mould.

Black mould has long been the curse of homeowners, appearing not just in bathrooms, but in bedrooms, behind furniture, around windows and even on floors and clothes. Far from just being an aesthetic problem, studies have shown that mould is bad for your health. So can natural cleaners like baking soda actually remove black mould?

Mould spores are prolific everywhere, but not everything you know about mould is true. Here are 8 ‘mould myths’ and the actual truths behind them.

Without a continuous flow of fresh air into and out of your home the relative humidity rises, and the internal atmosphere quickly becomes full of moisture. Eventually leading to condensation, especially with fluctuations in temperature which occur during winter. After a period of this cycle continuing, the water droplets that form on colder surfaces can lead to mould growth and, in some cases, damage to the building fabric itself.

Black mould is unsightly, difficult to remove and can be a health hazard. What’s more, it’s usually a sign of another problem, one that has probably occurred over the winter months and is caused by poor ventilation.

Student accommodation used to have a reputation for being a little bit shabby and unloved. There used to be no raised eyebrows at the sight of mismatched furniture and no great expectations about the decor either.

Most of us first encounter mould when we are children whilst at school learning all about Alexander Fleming and his famous discovery of penicillin. Today many of us may also be experiencing mould in our own homes, around our windows, walls and even doors.

Believe it or not, mould growth can have a detrimental effect on the health of those living in the affected property, which is why mould problems should be dealt with quickly, effectively and correctly. As tempting as it may be to paint over mould on your walls it isn’t going to solve the problem.