Damp and Mould
On the 7th Sept 2023, the government produced new guidance on Damp and Mould.
The guidance applies to all types of accommodation providers, owner-occupiers and tenants.
It sets out the health effects of damp and mould and provides guidance as to how it should be identified and addressed by those responsible.
The guidance is a direct response to the Coroner’s report into the tragic death of 2 year old Awaab Ishak in 2020, due to mould in his family home.
It makes sure that social and private sector landlords have a thorough understanding of their legal responsibilities, and of the serious health risks that damp and mould pose.
Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.
As this guidance also makes clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould. Damp and mould in the home are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’, and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation.
The new government guidance provides advice for landlords and tenants alike and can be found here: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Appendix E sets out specific guidance for tenants: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How to make a complaint
If you are a tenant and you are having problems with damp and mould in your property which your landlord is not able to resolve you can e-mail environment@harborough.gov.uk, please include –
- Photographs of the damp and mould where you can.
- Provide as much information such as how long the issue has been going on for and what action the landlord has taken.
- If you live in a Housing Association property, please include the name of the Housing Association and any Housing Officers you have been in contact with regarding this issue.
The Council’s Action Plan for Damp and Mould
The Secretary of State, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, has asked all local authorities to set out a plan on how they will prioritise addressing the issues of damp and mould for private rented properties in their areas, and that these plans be published. Harborough District Council’s action plan can be found here: HDC Damp and Mould Action Plan | Harborough District Council