Landlords Corner – New Guidance on Damp and Mould: Critical Information for UK Landlords
Given we are now into autumn, with the weather becoming damper and miserable for most of us, it’s helpful to consider the impact weather and temperature has on a rental property. This is particularly relevant considering The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has recently issued new guidance addressing damp and mould issues in rental properties.
This development has significant implications for landlords in the UK private rented sector, and at Trading Places, we are here to ensure you are fully informed as to what these changes mean to your business.
TPO has conducted two recent surveys with landlords, with key findings of the studies as follows:
· Prevalence: Nearly all surveyed letting agents have managed properties with damp and mould issues.
· Ongoing Concerns: 42% of lettings businesses report persistent damp and mould problems.
· Confidence Gap: 9% of agents lack confidence in landlords' ability to recognise these issues.
With damp and mould an issue for a significant number of rental properties, it is vital landlords take the following action points:
· Education: Familiarise yourself with the signs of damp and mould. Your ability to quickly identify problems is crucial.
· Proactive Maintenance: Address construction-related issues before letting a property.
· Tenant Guidance: Provide clear instructions on proper ventilation, heating, and moisture management.
· Prompt Response: Act swiftly when issues are reported to prevent escalation.
If you employ Trading Places, you can rest assured that we will manage all of these aspects for you. We’re experienced letting agents, based in Leytonstone, with considerable expertise in ensuring tenants and landlords are happy. We stay in touch with the latest news, not to mention the latest trends, as well as keeping close tabs on your rental property.
Dealing with damp and mould going forward
Dealing with damp and mould has never been a “one-off”, it is a situation which needs ongoing management. This is true for managing rental properties, as it is for staying up to date with regulations reflecting the condition of rental property.
Some aspects landlords should have in mind when it comes to dealing with damp and mould include:
· Awaab's Law: Originally aimed at social housing, this law is expected to extend to the private sector. It will impose strict timescales for
investigating and resolving damp and mould issues.
· Increased Scrutiny: With over 1,000 damp-related enquiries to TPO in 2023, expect heightened attention on this issue.
· Financial Implications: TPO awarded over £36,000 to tenants in damp-related cases last year. This figure could rise with increased
awareness and regulation.
· Reputation Management: Quick resolution of issues will be crucial to maintaining positive relationships with tenants and agents.
Again, we appreciate landlords are busy, and perhaps don’t have time to safeguard their property, and carry out all administrative duties. At Trading Places, we will make sure your rental accommodation, and your lettings business, remain in good condition, as well as being fit for purpose.
Some quick tips to reduce the likelihood of damp and mould
If you are concerned about mould or damp in your rental property, feel free to arrange an appointment with us, and we can talk you through these concerns. For now, please consider these quick tips that help to prevent damp and mould becoming an issue:
· Install and maintain effective ventilation systems, including extractor fans.
· Ensure proper insulation and address any structural issues promptly.
· Provide dehumidifiers in high-risk areas if necessary.
· Conduct regular property inspections, focusing on damp-prone areas.
By staying informed and proactive, landlords can mitigate risks associated with damp and mould, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and maintaining the quality of their rental properties.
What does The Property Ombudsman say about the matter?
Rebecca Marsh, at The Property Ombudsman, has spoken about this issue, saying: “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 from 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.”
Rebecca concluded by saying: “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.”
If you are looking for guidance on the Leytonstone rental market, or you just want a helping hand in complying with rental market regulations, we are always here to assist you.
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