Friday 21 October 2011
Housing organisations take healthy interest in growing problem for tenants
- Demand for mould inspections addresses tenant health and vulnerability -
Housing organisations are taking a healthy interest in their tenants’ health and well being, by linking good housing and good health. VPS, The Vacant Property Specialists, has reported that it is experiencing strong demand for mould inspections as landlords try to improve the health, and address the vulnerability, of their tenants as winter approaches.
Every year housing associations and tenants face serious problems with mould growth, which has become increasingly widespread in the last ten years in both old and new properties. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are around 1.5 million deaths each year associated with indoor pollution such as mould, the majority of which occur among women and children in low income areas. Rented accommodation can be particularly susceptible to mould as tenants may not always adequately ventilate homes, and often minimise central heating use, due to the increasingly high cost of heating a property.
The WHO also suggests that approximately 17% of the UK population is living in damp accommodation, which causes mould spores that pose a strong risk for asthma and respiratory symptoms, particularly for vulnerable groups such as babies, children and elderly people.
The ill-effects of mould become significantly worse during the autumn and winter months, as the lack of heating and ventilation turns damp properties into giant grow bags. Housing associations are taking swift action to resolve the issue, in order to meet legal requirement set out in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSR) guidance for landlords, which sets a recommended deadline to remove any mould within 28 days.
Nick Tubbs, managing director of VPS, said: “This increase in demand demonstrates that landlords are seriously addressing the link between good housing and the health and vulnerability of tenants. We expect to increase fivefold beyond current requirements as we move further into winter. The allergens, irritants and toxins produced by mould can cause reactions in humans and pose a severe health risk and housing organisations have a duty of care for their tenants who need reassurance that their properties, and ultimately their health, are taken seriously. Because mould is a natural phenomenon it cannot always be eradicated completely, however, professional treatment will keep it at bay for longer and minimise damage to tenants’ health and protect properties for the long term.”
Michael Ash, Building Surveyor for Derwent Living, which has taken action to increase its mould surveys this year, said: “The health and well being of our tenants is our number one priority. The Category One health risk posed by mould makes using a professional company to address the problem imperative. This ensures that the risks are dealt with quickly, effectively and with specialist solutions that will minimise damage caused by mould both to people and property.”
In 2004, mould was classified as Category One and Two risks to health under the HHSRS, causing the same threat to human health as asbestos. A Category One rating means mould can cause severe respiratory problems, cancer and could even be fatal. Category Two mould incidences can cause lung problems, instigate asthma and exaggerate symptoms of asthma sufferers.
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