Private renting tenants encouraged to report damp and mould issues

Private renting tenants across Shropshire are being encouraged to report damp and mould issues to their landlords, in a bid to help reduce serious health problems associated with black mould.

Black mould can cause serious health problems, particularly to those with breathing problems such as asthma or have underlying health issues, as it releases spores into the air which are then breathed in.  The presence of damp and mould can also affect tenants’ mental health. This could be due to worries about the health impacts of damp and mould, unpleasant living conditions, and destruction of property and belongings, among other concerns.

Those living in privately rented accommodation should report damp and mould issues to their landlord, asking them to investigate the reasons why the mould has occurred. This could be due to a number of factors such as a build-up of condensation on cold surfaces and walls. This can be caused by how the property is used, such as a lack of heating or ventilation, or by repairs issues such as:-

• Damaged brickwork
• Cracked rendering
• Damaged or blocked guttering
• Missing roof tiles
• Badly fitting windows or doors
• Damaged flashing
• Defective plumbing – leaks
• Rising damp due to a compromised damp proof course

Tenants are advised to take photographs of the mould while the issue is investigated, and do not delay in cleaning it off. This must be done safely, and more advice on this can be found at https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/private-sector-rented-housing-enforcement/damp-mould-and-condensation/

There are different reasons why mould occurs. This can be from excess condensation or from defects with a property, or often a combination of both. Either way, mould should not be ignored, and it is important the tenant and landlord work together to investigate the reasons why it is happening.

Condensation

Condensation can become a problem in many homes, especially when cold. It is caused when warm moist air hits a cold surface such as a window or external wall and condenses, causing mould to develop. This can be made worse if rooms are not adequately heated and ventilated. Condensation can be greatly reduced by changing what you do in your home – for more advice see https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/private-sector-rented-housing-enforcement/damp-mould-and-condensation/

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and assets, said:-

“As a council we are committed to ensuring that rented accommodation is free from serious hazards and, now winter is here, damp and mould can be a real problem.

“Tenants must not suffer in silence from mould and should ask their landlords to work to investigate why there is mould in a property. This could be due to a number of factors, but cannot be ignored or put down purely to the tenant’s/tenants’ lifestyle.

“If, after contacting your landlord, there has been no improvement, then contact our housing enforcement team for advice on what to do next. We work closely with social landlords with properties in Shropshire, and they share our aim to address damp and mould. Please report issues to them and they will help.

“We know most landlords are responsible, and are willing to comply with their obligations to ensure tenants have warm homes that are not cold and damp, which will help to improve their health and wellbeing. Landlords, irrespective of whether they own a single home or multiple homes, should adopt a proactive approach to the identification and tackling of damp and mould.

“They should understand the condition of their homes and adopt a preventative approach when dealing with damp and mould: improving ventilation, energy efficiency and addressing any defects before damp and mould becomes an issue, and before a complaint is made to the council.”

After receiving a report from their tenant a landlord should:-

• respond sensitively and assess the issue with urgency to identify the severity of the damp and mould and potential risks to tenants
• ensure tenants are informed about the steps that will be taken to remove mould and address any underlying issues and the timeframes for the work
• remove the mould, to address the health risk to tenants, using a qualified professional where appropriate
• identify and tackle the underlying causes of damp and mould, including building deficiencies, inadequate ventilation and condensation. Simply removing surface mould will not prevent the damp and mould from reappearing
• inspect the home after remedial work has been carried out, to ensure that the issue has been fixed, and damp and mould have not reappeared. If damp and mould have reappeared, further investigation and intervention should be pursued.

People living in social housing may also experience a range of issues with their home that can seriously impact their health and wellbeing, such as damp or mould, leaks, broken locks, or the correct accessibility requirements not being made if they have disabilities. Everyone deserves a home that is safe, secure and well maintained.

The Government has launched its Make it Right Campaign, to ensure those living in social housing who have issues with their home know their rights, know how to complain, and feel empowered in the knowledge that their voice will be heard. Find out more at Social housing issue? Know how to complain (socialhousingcomplaints.campaign.gov.uk)