Damp and mould can have a significant impact on health, particularly affecting the lungs, airways, skin and eyes. In severe cases, the respiratory issues they cause can lead to serious illness and even death. The tragic case of Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in a poorly ventilated home, is a stark reminder of these risks.
Beyond physical health, the presence of damp and mould can take a toll on tenants’ mental wellbeing. Worries about health, damage to possessions, and the distress of living in unpleasant conditions can all contribute to stress and anxiety.
While everyone can be affected, certain groups – such as children, older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions – are particularly vulnerable to the more serious consequences (see ‘People at increased risk from damp and mould’).
Legal duties for social and private landlords
Landlords across both the social and private rented sectors are bound by a range of legal responsibilities concerning damp and mould (see ‘Legal standards on damp and mould in rented homes’). Failing to comply can lead to prosecution or financial penalties.
Key legislation and standards include:
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Housing Act 2004
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Environmental Protection Act 1990
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Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
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Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
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Decent Homes Standard
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Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency Standard
In addition, landlords must follow the Building Regulations 2010 when carrying out controlled work such as repairs to heating or ventilation systems or window replacements.
How landlords should respond to damp and mould reports
When a tenant raises concerns about damp or mould, landlords must:
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Respond sensitively and assess the situation urgently to determine the severity and any associated risks
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Act promptly to resolve the root cause – action must not be delayed pending medical evidence, which is not a requirement for intervention
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Clearly explain to tenants what steps will be taken, including how and when the issue will be resolved
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Photograph and document the location of the mould before removal, to help diagnose the underlying cause
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Remove the mould using a qualified professional where necessary, as it poses a direct health risk
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Investigate and address the underlying causes – such as poor ventilation, condensation or building faults – as simply removing surface mould is not enough to prevent recurrence
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Revisit the property at least six weeks after repairs to confirm that the problem has not returned. If it has, further action must be taken
Adopting a proactive approach to prevent damp and mould
Regardless of the size of their property portfolio, all landlords should take a proactive stance on identifying and addressing damp and mould. This includes:
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Having robust systems in place to record, track and act on damp and mould reports – and to identify patterns across housing stock
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Gaining a thorough understanding of the condition of their homes and making necessary improvements to prevent problems before they arise
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Recognising that some properties are harder to keep warm – due to poor energy efficiency or cost of living challenges – and considering how they can support or signpost tenants in these situations
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Helping tenants understand what they can do to reduce damp and mould, where appropriate – while ensuring this is never used as a substitute for addressing structural issues
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Working closely with health, social care and other frontline professionals to help identify homes affected by damp and mould – making every contact count
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Ensuring staff and contractors are fully trained on the health risks of damp and mould, understand the importance of addressing root causes, and are equipped to handle cases with empathy and awareness of tenants’ individual circumstances
- Building trust with tenants by fostering open communication and encouraging them to report problems early
For the full article, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home–2
