HOUSING
LATEST REPORT REINFORCES IMPORTANCE OF GOOD VENTILATION IN HOMES John Moss, Sales Director of Home at EnviroVent, looks at how landlords are being encouraged to take a more proactive approach to condensation and mould growth, following the release of the housing ombudsman’s report on damp and mould.
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t’s that time of year when landlords, both private and in social housing, are facing increasing numbers of complaints from residents when levels of relative humidity increase as the temperature outside drops, which can lead to condensation and mould growth in inadequately-ventilated properties. The housing ombudsman’s report has again raised the very important issue of what needs to be done about damp and mould growth. The report highlights very clearly that landlords should adopt a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould interventions and work much more proactively to overcome any of these problems for residents. Landlords have long been aware how damp and mould are serious issues if left untreated and many housing associations and local authorities have taken proactive measures to address these. They recognise that these issues are often not caused by residents but there may be other issues which are contributing, for example, the property may have been upgraded with wall and loft insulation or fitted with more thermally-efficient windows and doors, without adequate consideration given to ventilation.
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