Government guidance & PCA members
In the last few weeks, the temperature has dropped significantly. The condensation season is now very much here and the recent volume of rainfall means that undoubtedly it is going to be a busy time for many of our damp & timber members. But, it is still vital that we are all keep ourselves up-to-date with the latest government guidance on dampness...particularly as it provides a useful resource for homeowners and tenants.
The latest Government update
We have previously spoken about the recently published UK Government ‘Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home’ that recommends landlords work with professionals to tackle damp and mould issues.
The document sets out the legal responsibilities of social and private sector landlords and the serious health risks that damp and mould can pose. ‘Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home’ is a ‘direct response’ to the Coroner’s report into the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak who sadly passed away from a respiratory illness caused by mould in his home in 2020.
In the Ministerial foreword, it states - "everyone has the right to a warm, secure and decent home and to be treated with dignity and fairness, yet many people in England are living in a home with damp and mould, which may put their health at risk."
It estimates that the number of homes in England with damp and mould range from 4% to 27% of homes, or 962,000 to 6.5 million households. It is a serious concern and for several years, we know PCA members have noted a surge in the levels of excess atmospheric moisture inside properties.
Setting out responsibilities...
The guidance gives social and private sector landlords in England a thorough understanding of their legal responsibilities along with advising on the serious health risks that damp and mould pose.
Of significance is the clear directive to landlords that they must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. It also states that they must treat cases of dampness and mould with the utmost seriousness and landlords should act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.
For those who were at the recent '2023 Property Care Conference'. you may recall I mentioned that it emphasises not blaming tenants for dampness and mould as they "are not the result of 'lifestyle choices', and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation."
'Lifestyle' has been for too long, a default response
Blaming the choices of those who have limited choices is not a constructive way forward. It is likely to build barriers and prevent organisations/people working together to prevent problems occurring.
Blaming the cause on ‘Lifestyle’ has too often been a default response used without a understanding of what is occurring within a property. This needs to change and PCA members should be leading the way on this change. After all, you (our members) are the ones that lead the way when it comes to moisture diagnostics!