Campaign launched to address damp and mould risks in rented properties

An initiative has commenced with the aim of drawing attention to the hazards posed by dampness and mould within privately rented residences across Hull and East Yorkshire. This “Healthy Homes” program seeks to prompt tenants to notify letting agents of issues and to inform agents of their legal obligations to rectify such problems. Both East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council are among the municipal bodies chosen by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to implement these pilot schemes. The councils stated that residing in properties affected by damp and mould can severely impact individuals’ health, potentially leading to skin conditions, compromised immune systems, and respiratory difficulties if these issues are not addressed. Annually, the National Health Service in England incurs an estimated cost of £1.4 billion for treating health conditions linked to habitation in cold or damp dwellings, as reported by the building research organization BRE. The death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 was attributed to mould present in his Rochdale residence. Property owners are legally required to undertake measures to resolve problems of damp and mould, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the respective local council. In Hull and East Yorkshire, twenty-one letting agents have committed to the initiative, promising to direct both landlords and tenants to official guidance on damp and mould provided by governmental bodies and local councils. Furthermore, they have committed to encouraging tenants to initially report any problems to their agent, facilitating investigations aimed at preventing damp and mould within the properties. The councils are also promoting the necessity of addressing damp and mould through advertisements displayed at numerous bus stops throughout the region, as part of this campaign. Councillor Paul Drake Davis, who holds the portfolio for regeneration and housing at Hull City Council, stated: “Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, we want to help you keep your homes healthy.” Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding cabinet member for communities and public protection, commented: “Damp and mould are serious issues, and it is imperative that tenants and landlords take action to avoid adverse health effects.”