Mould & Damp
Every person across the country deserves to live in a home that is safe, warm and dry.
The tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, due to mould in his family home, should never happen to another family.
This guidance is a direct response to the Coroner’s report, and has been developed with a multidisciplinary group of experts in housing and health. It makes sure that social and private sector landlords have a thorough understanding of their legal responsibilities, and of the serious health risks that damp and mould pose.
Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.
As this guidance also makes clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould. 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
Read the full report here, including the health risks and how to proactively approach it to reduce the risk.