New guide for landlords to tackle damp and mould

As expected glosses over condensation caused by tenants: on page 3
WHAT ABOUT
CONDENSATION
POTENTIALLY CAUSED
BY TENANTS?
The Government advise that it is unreasonable to
attribute damp and mould in homes to tenants’
lifestyle choices, daily activities such as cooking
and bathing naturally produce indoor moisture.
Discovering the underlying causes of
condensation, which are typically due to building
deficiencies, poor ventilation, inadequate
heating, or reduced energy efficiency, is crucial.
While working with tenants to make reasonable
behaviour adjustments can be helpful, it should not replace addressing these root issues.

Reply to the comment left by Dennis Forrest at 14/12/2023 - 12:53
Yep; the "root issues" are almost invariably the tenant's lifestyle choices, but why let reality get in the way of yet more landlord bashing?

Reply to the comment left by Jeff L at 14/12/2023 - 13:14I have found that problems with damp i.e. caused by condensation cannot be resolved as many tenants switch off extractor fans, keep windows permanently shut, block air vents, block air bricks & keep heating systems off so as to save on energy bills all of which contributes to damp caused by condensation which is all to do with the tenant's lifestyle.
In cases such as these, there is nothing more a landlord can do.

Reply to the comment left by Clint at 14/12/2023 - 13:31
But it seems that the "powers that be" would still like to hold us accountable for it.

I have a relativley new tenant, she called me about a month since to say there was a small amount of black mold round her bedroom window, I went there and cleaned the mold off and painted with anti-mold paint. I called her yesterday to see if it had returned she said no so I said if I buy you a de-humidifier would you use it she replied theres no need I already bought one and theres no sign of mold thanks.

Reply to the comment left by Jack Craven at 14/12/2023 - 13:59
I provide a dehumidifier and washer/dryer in all my flats and still get black mould in some flats & on visiting usually find lots of clothes being dried around the flat without the dehumidifier being used.

As most of my flats are either studio or one bed flats there is a much higher chance of condensation causing mould.

Reply to the comment left by Dennis Forrest at 14/12/2023 - 12:53
The guides states, "...it should not replace addressing these root issues." So my interpretation is, if you have taken all reasonable steps to stop condensation and because of the tenants life style condensation and mould remains an issue, then the root cause is the tenant. You then have no choice but to serve a possession order!

His policy from Government was a knee jerk reaction after the sad death of a child due to mould issues. The NRLA now needs to go back to Government with expert support, and lobby them to get the legislation changed so that condensation and mould that is a result of the tenant is recognised.

'Mr Harriott says the aim of the guide is to help landlords meet their responsibilities and maintain healthy living conditions for tenants'

The chief executive of the TDS Group, Steve Harriott, said: “Addressing mould and damp issues in rental properties is not just a legal obligation, it’s a necessary responsibility we hold towards ensuring the well-being of our tenants.

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I think someone missed the point here completely.

Before any tenancy - the landlord's duty is to ensure the property meets all compliance standards. The compliance standards take into consideration a number of factors. This results in what is clearly accepted as a 'healthy living condition'.

Once a tenant moves in - this duty still applies of course, but where does the obligation to 'contribute to the overall satisfaction ...of those renting homes in the PRS." come in exactly?

This may sound controversial but we essentially rent out a vessel/a box/ a base. Just like a car hire company. A car rental company is never responsible for HOW the person treats the car and any damage incurred, so why it is seemingly ok for a LL to be deemed responsible for tenant action?

The fabric of the building is down to the LL - how the tenant lives in it is completely their choice - and with that goes any health implications that result from thier action/inaction.

I am not a social worker nor teacher nor the tenants parent.

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 14/12/2023 - 14:34Good Question !
Why it is seemingly ok for a LL to be deemed responsible for tenant action?
The question should be put to Environmental Health or the Housing Minister. I doubt, that they would see it any other way other than it being the LL's responsibility.