Condensation, Damp and Mould
Addressing damp and mould issues in private rented properties
Following the death of Awaab Ishak in December 2020, from respiratory conditions caused by damp and mould in his home in Rochdale, the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) wrote to all local authorities in England.
He wanted to make sure that each local authority is meeting its legal and regulatory requirements for managing damp and mould.
Secretary of State's letter to local authorities
The Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) wrote a letter to all local authorities asking us to provide information about plans in place to prioritise the enforcement of housing standards.
Our response to the Deputy Director of Private Standards
To address the specific issues of damp and mould in private rented properties we intend to:
- review and improve our response times in dealing with damp and mould complaints. To sort our complaints in order so we are responding to the properties with the most significant risks to health by asking for photographic evidence on our Rented property in disrepair form.
- work with other Lancashire Authorities for a consistent advice around damp and mould.
- review our processes so that staff are providing a consistent and effective service.
- look into other available legislation to speed up the process for damp and mould complaints in rented properties.
- raise awareness and encourage residents to use heating and insulation grants that are available through the Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) Grants or through the Affordable Warmth grant.
- use Social media to communicate advice and support on dealing with damp and mould.
- update our website to make information on damp and mould more accessible. We will give out information leaflets on damp and mould to tenants and put in Public Buildings.
- try to work with tenants and landlords so that properties are occupied safely and healthily by a range of households with different lifestyles. We will consider behavioural issues that could make damp and mould growth worse. Such as failure to use heating and ventilation to remove the moisture produced by cooking, bathing and drying clothes.