Almost half of UK renters are grappling with potentially hazardous mould in their homes, according to a survey by Quotezone.co.uk. The study revealed that 43% of tenants have reported issues with damp or mould.
The experts highlighted that the increasing concern over mould and damp in rental properties is being exacerbated by the UK’s wetter weather, especially as the past 18 months have been recorded as the wettest. Long-term exposure to mould spores can lead to serious health risks such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Landlords need to be particularly cautious if they have vulnerable groups residing in their properties, including the elderly, families with young children, and individuals with respiratory conditions. In a tragic incident in December 2020, two year old Awaab Ishak lost his life after being exposed to mould at his home in Rochdale.
READ MORE: Britain’s ‘strictest’ cafe has 21 signs – from banning dogs to kids crackdown
Click for the latest news from the Daily Star
Named in his honour, ‘Awaab’s Law’ is a UK legislation aimed at enhancing tenant health and safety by holding landlords accountable for damp and mould in social housing. Set to be enforced this autumn, the law stipulates strict timelines for addressing reports of damp and mould.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Upon receiving such reports, investigations must begin within 14 days, followed by repairs initiated within an additional seven days and emergency repairs addressed within 24 hours. It’s worth noting that it’s already a landlord’s duty to tackle damp and mould if it results from disrepair or poses a risk to health and safety, reports the Mirror.
Greg Wilson, the top dog at Quotezone.co.uk and an insurance whizz, has warned: “The weather in the UK over the last two years has become wetter and stormier than ever before, creating damage and issues for houses across the country.”
He also highlighted a chilling side-effect of the energy price hike, saying: “Coupled with the rising cost of energy, people in the UK are trying to save by reducing their heating, which in turn has created an ideal breeding ground for mould and an increase in condensation – with mould related complaints in social housing doubling over the last two years.”
But Greg’s not just about doom and gloom; he’s got solutions up his sleeve: “But there are ways we can fight it. Regular property inspections, timely repairs and proactive maintenance are not only essential for providing an adequate living environment, they’re also crucial for preventing extensive and costly damage to the property.”
The study also dropped a bombshell, revealing that 65% of tenants are living with hazards like busted windows and dud smoke alarms, and despite kicking up a fuss, one in five say their gripes have been ignored.