{"id":38251,"date":"2023-11-15T16:07:46","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T16:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogsnew.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=38251"},"modified":"2023-11-15T16:07:46","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T16:07:46","slug":"uk-government-guidance-on-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=38251","title":{"rendered":"UK Government Guidance on health risks of damp and mould"},"content":{"rendered":"

UK Government guidance on \u2018Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home\u2019 has been issued.<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

\u2026 new requirements for landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould in social homes\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

GOV.UK writes:<\/p>\n

Every person across this country deserves to live in a home that is safe, warm and dry.<\/p>\n

The tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, due to mould in his family home, should never happen to another family.<\/p>\n

The Coroner\u2019s report into Awaab\u2019s death describes a catalogue of failures, and a housing provider that abdicated its responsibilities to his family and hid behind legal processes.<\/p>\n

This guidance is a direct response to the Coroner\u2019s report, and has been developed with a multidisciplinary group of experts in housing and health. Members of the government\u2019s expert\u00a0Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants<\/a>\u00a0were also consulted. 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 health.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018lifestyle choices\u2019, and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation.<\/p>\n

The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family\u2019s complaints about their living conditions were repeatedly ignored – an experience that is familiar to many tenants.<\/p>\n

This government is committed to ensuring a decent standard of housing for tenants in the social and private rented sectors. Through the Renters (Reform) Bill and Social Housing Regulation Act, legislative changes will improve housing standards. We will:<\/p>\n