In Detail, In Brief: Making landlords act on dangerous mould

The Labour Government is implementing rules to protect tenants from dangerous mould

I am regularly contacted by constituents living in Bristol City Council or Housing Association homes affected by mould and damp. These properties can be walk-up flats or concrete houses built in the 1950s, or much more modern buildings.  

Sadly, sticking plaster solutions are often implemented, for the mould to return in a few months or even weeks. There are examples of constituents being re-housed away from such hazards, and I am then contacted by the new tenants experiencing the very same issues.  

Too many tenants have lost confidence in their landlord as a result. 

This cycle must stop, and from October all social landlords must investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould within a specified timescale. Any emergency hazard identified in an inspection of the property must be repaired within 24 hours.  

If a home cannot be made safe within those specified timescales, the landlord must offer suitable alternative accommodation at their expense until it is safe to return. 

The change in the law followed the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after being exposed to mould at his home in Greater Manchester in December 2020. Following the passing of the new law and subsequent consultations, social landlords were informed in February this year about the new requirements for them to act. Further measures will be implemented in 2026 and 2027 to ensure all tenants have a safe and secure home. 

There can be no excuses for failing to do this legally required work.