Student Accommodation in Drumcondra – Is Mould Putting Tenants at Risk?

Rising rents. Crowded kitchens. Steamed-up windows. These are normal student housing complaints — but there’s another, more serious issue creeping up in shared homes across Drumcondra.

Mould.

It’s not just an eyesore or a smell. In student lets, especially those with high tenant turnover and poor ventilation, mould becomes a real health hazard — and in some cases, a legal problem for landlords.

Let’s unpack the risks, the responsibilities, and what can be done to stop the student mould problem in Drumcondra before it puts more tenants at risk.

Why Student Homes Are Mould Hotspots

The combination of multiple tenants, drying clothes indoors, inconsistent heating, and poor ventilation creates the perfect storm for mould.

In our inspections of shared housing on Drumcondra Road, Botanic Avenue, and St. Joseph’s Avenue, we regularly find:

• Black mould in corners behind beds and wardrobes
• Damp ceilings in bathrooms with no extractor fans
• Mouldy window sills from trapped condensation
• Rising damp in basements and converted garages

👉 Book a professional survey for student accommodation
👉 See our guide on hidden mould signs

A Real Case from a Shared Flat Near Griffith Park

We visited a three-bed rental where five students were sharing space. One bedroom had visible black mould. Another had a strong musty smell.

Our DNA swab testing found high levels of Aspergillus niger in the air — a mould known to trigger asthma, coughs, and fatigue.

The cause? A faulty extractor fan in the en-suite, sealed windows with no vents, and wet clothes drying indoors.

What Landlords Need to Know – It’s Not Just About Cleanliness

Under RTB guidance, landlords must:

• Provide adequate ventilation and heating
• Ensure the home is free from damp and mould
• Respond to mould complaints within a reasonable time

Failure to do so can lead to:

• Disputes with tenants
• Claims through the RTB
• Potential damage to the property’s long-term value

👉 Read our full landlord mould advice

For Tenants – Don’t Just Clean It. Report It.

Students often dismiss mould as “just part of renting.” But it’s not.

If you notice:

• Persistent condensation on windows
• Peeling paint or soft plaster
• Musty smells when the heating is on

…it’s time to speak up.

Clean what you can. Ventilate where possible. But also:

✅ Document the issue with photos
✅ Report it in writing to the landlord or agent
✅ Request a mould inspection if symptoms persist

👉 Contact us to test air quality or fog your rental

How We Solve Mould in Student Rentals

Our approach includes:

• Thermal imaging to detect damp areas
• DNA testing to identify spore types
• Anti-microbial fogging that’s safe and non-toxic
• Advice for landlords on ventilation and dehumidifiers

We’ve helped landlords fix recurring mould problems and supported students in resolving health-related complaints.

👉 Explore our removal and prevention services

Student Mould Problem – Not Just a Drumcondra Issue

We’ve seen a spike in complaints in:

• Drumcondra
• Glasnevin
• Phibsborough
• Ballymun (DCU area)
• Cabra

But Drumcondra — with its dense student population and high-rental stock — stands out.

Don’t Let Mould Ruin Another Academic Year

Whether you’re a landlord managing multiple properties, or a student sharing a flat near college — mould isn’t something to ignore.

It’s a health issue. A legal issue. And one that can be solved — properly.

Let Mould Removal Ireland inspect and protect your rental.