Housing Ombudsman issues call for evidence for an investigation into social landlords’ approach to ‘damp and mould’.
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“The mental and social health effects of dampness and mould should not be underestimated. Damage to decoration from mould or damp staining and the smells associated with damp and mould can cause depression and anxiety. Feelings of shame and embarrassment can lead to social isolation”, according to the Operation Guidance of Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
It is well know that the stock condition of council housing across East Kent was in very poor condition when managed by the now defunct East Kent Housing.
All four councils who made up East Kent Housing and went there separate ways in Oct 2020, are now undertaking a full stock survey of their housing. As such conditions regarding damp and mould are not yet known as the stock surveys have not yet been completed.
Now the Housing Ombudsman are currently undertaking an investigation into damp and mould and are calling for evidence submissions, from landlords and tenants council owned and Housing association accommodation, to ensure they can make far-reaching recommendations that promote greater understanding of the complexity of tackling damp and mould and share best practice across the sector – helping landlords to develop their policies and procedures with a view to improving the experience and lives of all residents.
One can submit evidence by clicking the link here ⇒ Call for Evidence
It is important to stress the investigation by the Housing Ombudsman is looking at the broad issues of damp and mould across the sector; it is not looking at individual landlords and will not respond to individual complaints. Information on how to make a complaint can be found here.
Many, housing association and council tenants do not report issues such as damp and mould for fear of recrimination from their council or housing association.
Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, said:
“A decent home is a fundamental need but the impact of damp and mould can be significant on households, their health and their life chances. Our casebook gives cause for concern, with a high maladministration rate and sometimes substantial levels of compensation, although I am also concerned that we are not seeing cases where we could help, and want to investigate further into this issue.”
If you take part in the call for evidence your information will NOT be passed to your landlord so have no fear of a revenge eviction.
We would encourage all tenants whoever there landlords are to submit evidence to the Housing Ombudsman because failure to do so will mean tenants will continue to live in unfit housing which will damage their mental health and wellbeing.
In the 21st Century everyone has the right to live in a safe and compliant home regardless of who their landlord maybe.
The three images were taken by FHDC Council tenants, in different locations. Each of them have all reported their damp and mould prior to lockdown. According to them, they are still waiting a year on for any action to be taken on the damp and mould issues they are suffering from.
All homes shown are well ventilated yet still the issues persist.
