Property Ombudsman issues new guidance on damp and mould in rental properties
Following two surveys of letting and managing agents, new guidance has been published by The Property Ombudsman to help agents, landlords and tenants deal with condensation, damp and mould in their homes.
Research by The Property Ombudsman has found that letting agents who are unsure at recognising damp and mould can have serious consequences in properties are less likely to resolve issues with landlords.
The majority of 719 agents surveyed by The Property Ombudsman in the private rented sector recognised the consequences of damp and mould but many believed they were often linked to tenant activities, such as not using extractor fans during cooking and bathing, drying laundry, insufficient ventilation and heating.
- Nearly all had managed properties with damp and mould issues
- 42% of lettings businesses had ongoing issues relating to damp and mould
- 9% of agents said they were unconfident in landlords’ ability to recognise issues and 72% were confident of a quick resolution
- The majority of agents considered that where construction issues were the cause, a property should not be let until those issues had been resolved.
A new set of damp and mould guidance for tenants, agents and landlords is designed to spot the signs of condensation, damp and mould as well as give preventative tips and advice on reporting issues:
Download the guidance for agents and landlords here
Download the guidance for tenants here
Heating and ventilation by opening windows and using extractor fans are key to helping prevent damp and mould as well as wiping away condensation and using anti-fungal products on mould.
If renters follow this advice and still experience problems, issues should be reported to the landlord and/or agent for investigation. Separate guidance for landlords and agents covering construction and property defect issues has also been produced. If issues can’t be resolved, tenants and agents can contact their council’s private housing team.
Rebecca Marsh of The Property Ombudsman, said: “Our research shows what a complex issue this is. Condensation, damp and mould are interlinked and caused by a variety of factors: environmental, structural and behavioural but one thing is clear, we need to work with renters, landlords and agents to prevent it occurring.
“We’ve published some simple guides which we’ll share with businesses, landlords and tenants to ensure greater awareness of the causes and symptoms, how to report it and the risks in living in damp and mouldy conditions.
“We welcome the government’s plans for further protections for tenants in the private sector as we’ve seen the devastating effects of properties not being adequately repaired or maintained.”
To find out more about your obligations as a landlord, or to speak to us about managing your property on your behalf, call 0161 511 5339 or contact us to speak to one of our lettings specialists.
