West Lindsey District Council is set to launch a new campaign aimed at raising awareness about damp and mould in homes.
The campaign is aimed at educating both tenants and landlords about their responsibilities and rights. It will also highlight the health risks associated and the importance of taking appropriate action.
This six-month campaign will primarily focus on the private rented sector and housing associations. It comes as damp and mould have become increasingly prominent topics of concern nationally and is a direct response to address issues that were highlighted following the tragic death of two year old Awaab Ishak, who died from prolonged exposure to damp and mould in a property in Rochdale.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee at the Council welcomed the initiative. She said:
“It is important that we highlight the significant health impacts associated with damp and mould and that our residents understand the urgency of addressing these problems promptly.
“We hope that by promoting this knowledge, we can help create healthier living conditions for all residents, particularly those in the private rented sector and housing associations, where these issues are most prevalent.”
The campaign will seek to break down the myths surrounding the issues and foster a better understanding among both tenants and landlords.
Emily Bond, project coordinator for the campaign at West Lindsey District Council emphasised the long-term benefits of this educational campaign.
She said:
“By raising awareness and providing accurate information, we hope to empower residents and landlords to take proactive steps in preventing and addressing damp and mould in their properties.
“Education is key – it will improve the situation not just now, but for years to come. People need to know when to act rather than ignoring the problem, thinking it will resolve itself.”
The campaign will provide valuable insights into the differences between rising damp and black mould, as well as offer guidance on how to manage and prevent these issues.
Emily added:
“Damp and mould can be a huge problem in the private rented sector and we have seen people at the end of their tether, who don’t know their rights, don’t know what to do and too frightened to say anything in case they lose their homes.
"Some people bury their heads and think it’s not a problem, but the issues can multiply, and it just will not go away on itself. We hope we can start the conversations and give advice on actions that can be taken to solve and prevent any further issues.”
We are hosting a series of free information sessions to help landlords navigate important topics such as damp and mould, tenant rights, and changes in legislation.
Whether you’re a new landlord or have been in the business for years, these sessions provide crucial insights to ensure you are compliant with current regulations and aware of upcoming changes.
Upcoming Sessions
Damp and Mould, which will be the same session run on three different dates.
- Date: 29 October 2024, 10am – 1pm
- Date: 9 December 2024, 1pm – 4pm
- Date: 14 November 2024, 6pm – 7:30pm
Why Attend?
- Learn about key updates
- Understand your legal responsibilities as a landlord.
- Get answers to your questions from expert speakers.
- Network with other landlords and industry professionals.
Equally regardless of whether you live in private rented accommodation, or if you live in your own house – there are some top tips you can learn and take from the campaign.
Top five tips
To reduce damp and mould in homes – (these tips are for black mould caused primarily by condensation not for Rising damp or Penetrating damp which are caused by structural defects. If you think you have either of these speak to the housing standards team.
Drying Clothes
If possible dry your clothes outside! Sometimes this isn’t possible in bad weather or if you do not have outdoor space to do so. If this is the case, using an airer to dry clothes is better than placing wet clothes directly onto a radiator. Although this can be quicker it creates a lot of moist air in a short amount of time and this can become condensation which in turn becomes mould. It is also important to consider where you are drying clothes, setting up your airer in a kitchen or bathroom with ventilation would be better than leaving it in a carpeted, highly frequented room such as the living room.
Windows
Wipe any condensation that forms on your windows, especially in the mornings, with a dry cloth. Open the bedroom windows briefly in the morning to let dry air in. Whilst cooking or bathing open your windows to allow the damp air to escape.
Furniture
Leave a gap between walls and furniture. Leave the top of wardrobes clear and do not overfill drawers or cupboards. This will allow air to circulate and prevent mould forming behind or inside of furniture.
Heating
Try to heat your home evenly to avoid cold areas. Warm air will enter these areas and form condensation. To avoid major condensation problems the temperature in your home should not drop below 14 degrees Celsius. See the Lincs 4 Warmer Homes webpage for details of available funding.
Cleaning existing Black Mould
If you already have mould in your house this needs to be killed to stop it from spreading. It is important to remember that mould is a fungus and is harmful to health. It spreads through the air via spores so whilst removing it you should wear gloves, goggles and a mask- especially if you suffer from any breathing problems. To begin, remove any spores with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Following this you will need to clean the area thoroughly to ensure that all of the mould is removed.
There are many antifungal sprays you can buy, but diluted bleach or white vinegar will work too. Spray the detergent onto the affected area and leave for up to an hour. Using a soft cloth, scrub the area until all visible mould has gone. Make sure the area is thoroughly dried and the room remains consistently warm to prevent regrowth.