A BBC News article this morning titled "Black Mould is Making My Son Ill" is highlighting the ongoing problems in the UK housing sector with dampness and mould. The piece features a young mother and her son in Brighton, along with an elderly couple in Rotherham, all of whom are facing health issues due to mould in their homes. Despite these serious concerns, their landlords have done little to resolve the problem. The report is based on a BBC Panorama special, Britain's Mouldy Homes, which is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Awaab’s Law is set to partially come into effect in October this year, focusing initially on damp and mould issues, and is expected to be fully implemented by 2026 to address other hazards like structural and electrical problems. Both landlords and tenants will need to be informed about these changes. However, many argue that waiting until October is too long, as lives are currently at risk due to mould exposure.
The main issue arises from the fact that the UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, with many social, council, and low-rent homes dating back to the 1940s and 50s. These buildings, constructed during that time as cost-effective solutions, have become an infrastructure time bomb. Most of them lack the insulation and ventilation required by modern standards and are in dire need of upgrades. However, modernizing these homes is an expensive and time-consuming process, and there’s debate over whether it's worth investing in prolonging the life of these outdated structures when demolishing and rebuilding might be a more practical approach. But with current housing shortages, there is often no alternative accommodation available for families while repairs are carried out. However, with Labour's initiative to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, there is hope that new developments will help alleviate these challenges in the future.
2029 is still 4 years away, so what steps can be taken today to address issues in these properties? Landlords have a duty of care to their tenants, and damp and mould problems cannot simply be attributed to tenants' "lifestyle" choices. Tackling these issues requires a collaborative effort between landlords and tenants, with both parties understanding their roles in preventing the recurrence of damp and mould.
For landlords, it is crucial to ensure that properties are well-insulated and that any structural damage allowing moisture or cold to seep in is promptly addressed. Additionally, installing effective mechanical ventilation is essential for controlling moisture levels. Below are links to various mechanical ventilation solutions that can help manage damp and mould. As always, feel free to contact us directly with any questions regarding ventilation options.
PIV
dMVHR
dMEV
MEV
Intermittent Fans
Tenants should know that without drastically changing their lifestyle, they can take a few simple steps to significantly reduce damp and mould issues. First and foremost, if mechanical ventilation has been installed - keep it on! In colder weather, keeping windows closed helps maintain a stable indoor temperature while allowing the ventilation system to effectively remove moisture. Maintaining a consistent and adequate temperature is essential.
This year, reports have shown that many homeowners and tenants have struggled with heating costs or have deliberately turned off their heating to save money. As a landlord, it is unreasonable to expect tenants to maintain indoor temperatures if the property is not properly insulated, as this would lead to high energy costs. Therefore, landlords must ensure sufficient insulation, enabling tenants to heat their homes affordably. Ultimately, the key to minimizing damp and mould is a combination of insulation, ventilation, and heating.
For further reading, please visit some of these previous articles on the subject:
Ventilation - The Responsibility of the Landlord
How everyday activities create condensation in your home
How to tackle damp, humidity and condensation in your kitchen
Humidity Sources In The Home To Be Aware Of This Coming Winter