Gove writes to social landlords about damp and mould

Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove has written to social housing providers about recently published guidance on the health impacts of damp and mould in the home.

Consolidated guidance on the health outcomes of damp and mould in the home has been published as part of the government’s response to the Coroner’s report into the death of Awaab Ishak.

The guidance sets out the legal responsibilities of social and private sector landlords to their tenants and the serious health risks that damp and mould pose.

The guidance makes clear that it is the responsibility of landlords to identify the underlying causes of damp and mould - such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation - and to find long term solutions.

The guidance also sets out how living in a home with damp and mould can significantly affect the physical and mental health of tenants and outlines how people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts.

In the letter, Gove says: "I have always been clear that it is the duty of landlords to meet the standards reasonably expected by their tenants, and I know that the vast majority do their best to provide decent homes. I would urge you all to read this guidance and adopt the best practices that it sets out.

"Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in. It is all our responsibilities to work together to improve standards in the rented sector so that tragedies like the death of Awaab Ishak never happen again."

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