Landlord Engagement as a Method of Tackling Damp and Mould Growth

It’s been a busy time here at RHE:  we have been part of a move to help focus the attention of private rented sector (PRS) landlords in Suffolk on damp and mould, aiding their understanding and helping them to address the issue.  

The prominence of damp and mould growth has been steadily increasing since November 2022 when, following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, the Coroner’s prevention of future deaths report was published. Although the death occurred in social housing, this hasn’t excluded the PRS from sharing the spotlight, with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) sending a letter to local housing authorities (LHAs) in November 2022 to remind them of their duties under the Housing Act 2004 and, in particular, the need to have specific regard to high-scoring Category 2 damp and mould hazards. (See also my colleague Jeremy’s recent blog on damp and mould here.) 

This was followed, in September 2023, by the issuing of government guidance on understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home. The guidance makes it clear that tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould, stating: 

Damp and mould in the home 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.  

In their 2021 report on this issue, the CIEH revealed that damp and mould was the most common complaint from PRS tenants (26% of mentions). In consideration of the complex issues surrounding damp and mould, its causes and the common preconception to many that it is largely attributable to tenant behaviour, it is not surprising that conversations around damp and mould growth can be fraught and emotional. Root causes can be challenging to determine but generally require a combination of effective heating, insulation and ventilation, alongside maintenance to prevent water penetration, as well as management of moisture within the building. However, issues such as cold bridging, insufficient insulation and poor cross-ventilation can be difficult to understand.  

This problem can be a difficult one to resolve when we consider the number of variables and the tactful approach required. However, a few LHAs are ahead of the game. East Suffolk Council, Babergh District Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, West Suffolk Council and Ipswich Borough Council developed an innovative Pathfinder Project called Safe Suffolk Renters, in which they work together across boundaries to tackle issues in the PRS, thanks to an injection of funding from the DLUHC. The resulting project demonstrates what LHAs can achieve when they receive additional help to enable them to staff and resource proactive initiatives. 

The Suffolk councils have structured their Safe Suffolk Renters Pathfinder project around three phases: first, on empowering and, second, on encouraging the sector, before resorting to a third phase of enforcement. Their work on engaging local landlords in the first phase of the project has been refreshing to see. I, in my capacity as a housing consultant for RHE Global, have been working with the Suffolk councils to support their initiative, and it was wonderful to experience this collaboration firsthand when I was invited to speak at the conference they had organised on damp and mould growth.  

The Suffolk councils had reached out to a variety of speakers, to deliver presentations that covered a range of topics including air quality and why it matters, diagnostics, financial support, good practice and practical solutions. The presentations were well received by a large audience that mainly comprised landlords. It can be accessed here: Safe Suffolk Renters Damp and Mould Growth Conference videos and presentations. 

Only time will tell if the project leads to successful engagement with the sector on a long-term basis; however, their holistic view and enterprising approach to addressing challenges in the PRS is making great headway. It is always immensely satisfying to assist local authorities with such matters. One of the most rewarding aspects of our role as consultants is the journey together towards success. 

If you have a challenging project to deliver, get in touch to see how our housing consultants can support you in achieving your goals.