Damp and mould remain two of the most pressing issues in the private rented sector due to a greater awareness over the past few years following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.
The tragedy resulted from prolonged exposure to mould in social housing, which has since led to the introduction of Awaab’s Law.
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s law requires landlords in the social housing sector to respond quickly to complaints about damp and mould. While it applies directly to social landlords, it is shaping expectations across the wider rental sector, including private landlords and letting agents.
This raises a familiar question: when is damp and mould caused by tenant lifestyle in the property, and when is it the result of maintenance or structural issues?
How tenant lifestyle can lead to mould
In some cases, damp and mould can develop because of how a property is used. Tenants may dry clothes indoors without ventilation, fail to use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, or keep windows closed when moisture is at its highest. These habits lead to increased condensation and provide ideal conditions for mould to spread.
How property and maintenance issues can lead to mould
Often, however, damp and mould point to problems with the property itself. Leaks, rising damp, inadequate insulation, poor ventilation and outdated heating systems are common causes. These are the responsibility of the landlord and, if left unchecked, can have serious health, legal and financial consequences.
Why the mould blame game is less important now
For years, disagreements between landlords and tenants focused on who was at fault. Was mould the result of tenant behaviour, or was it due to the condition of the property? With Awaab’s Law and the growing scrutiny of housing standards, the emphasis is no longer on blame but on evidence and action.
Landlords and agents need to show that complaints are recorded, inspections are carried out, and steps are taken to resolve any issues promptly.
The role of property inventories in tackling mould
Detailed inventories and interim inspections are one of the best ways to stay on top of mould.
At the start of a tenancy, inventories establish the condition of the property and highlight any existing issues. During the tenancy, interim reports can track whether mould is developing and provide evidence of how tenants are using ventilation and heating systems.
Inventories also create a clear record of what action has been taken. Time-stamped photos and notes prove that problems were identified and addressed, which is essential for compliance and fairness.
How to make inventory reporting easy
Inventory Hive’s digital platform makes the process straightforward. Inventories and inspections can be created with photos and video, scheduled at regular intervals and shared instantly with tenants, contractors or insurers. Every report is time-stamped and stored securely, creating a clear audit trail. This gives landlords and agents the tools to act quickly, reduce disputes and demonstrate a responsible approach to property management.
Landlords must become proactive
Damp and mould are no longer issues that can be dismissed as lifestyle problems alone. The private rented sector is under closer scrutiny, and landlords need to take a proactive approach.
By using inventories and inspections effectively, agents and landlords can protect tenants, maintain property value and meet the expectations set by new legislation.
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