The government recently published guidance for both private and social landlords, ushering in a dramatic shift in the way that mould is approached in rental houses by prohibiting the practice of blaming tenants’ damp and mould problems on their “lifestyle choices.”

Are you wondering what this means for you and your tenants? Here are the key legal obligations and recommendations for landlords:

Legal Obligations:

Freedom from “Category 1” Hazards

The Housing Act 2004 mandates that properties, assessed through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), must be free from Category 1 hazards, including damp and mould.

Health Impact

Damp and mould, if detrimental to a tenant’s health, can qualify as a “statutory nuisance” under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, permitting local councils to take legal action against landlords.

Fitness for Human Habitation

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 necessitates that properties remain free from severe damp and mould that could endanger tenants’ health. While no specific timeframe is set for remedial work, landlords are urged to promptly address these issues.

Decent Homes Standard

Social housing and, soon, private rented homes must conform to the Decent Homes Standard, which demands freedom from Category 1 hazards and ensures reasonable states of repair and thermal comfort.

Energy Efficiency

Although not directly addressing damp and mould, increasing energy efficiency in your property can mitigate condensation risks. Landlords must ensure their properties meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, currently set at EPC E, with potential future requirements increasing to EPC C.

Responding to Reports of Damp and Mould:

Preventing Damp and Mould:

Common Causes of Damp and Mould:

Importantly, attributing damp and mould issues solely to tenants’ “lifestyle choices” is deemed unjust. Instead, landlords should work cooperatively with tenants to implement reasonable adjustments for effective issue resolution.

If you would like to know how we support our landlords to rectify damp and mould problems in their properties in Bingham, Grantham, Newark and Bottesford please give us a call on 01400 675175 or send an email to gemma@flying-keys.co.uk.