Property experts at Timberwise have issued advice to landlords on how to avoid being issued with £7,000 fines under Renters' Rights Act powers, which came into force on Monday this week.
Under the new rules, fines can be applied to "Category 1" hazards identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) if they are not promptly fixed.
Around 2.3 million homes in England (some 9% of all dwellings) have at least one Category 1 hazard under HHSRS, according to the 2023 English Housing Survey.
The new rules mean that financial penalties can be imposed on landlords for failing to fix hazards in 21 different Category 1 areas, including severe damp, mould, and other dangerous conditions in privately rented accommodation.
Timberwise managing director, George Edwards (pictured), outlined some advice on the top five areas that landlords should be concerned about:
- Ensure extractor fans work: A litany of issues can be caused by moisture that is trapped in a home.
You need to ensure that fans actually work, and that they operate for at least 20 minutes after cooking and for 30 minutes after a shower. - Repair exterior defects: To avoid minor issues becoming potentially extremely costly in future, look for slipped roof tiles, defective gutters, mortar pointing, and compromises to the damp-proof course in external walls. Even water dripping onto a wall due to defective gutters can cause water ingress.
- Keep the heating on: Cool bedrooms and warm living areas can result in condensation and damp and mould issues. A steady, modest background temperature during the winter months can stop homes from becoming infested with mould.
- Unblock vents: They can be easily overlooked, but check for poorly installed or blocked wall and window vents, as that can stop air circulating and create the right conditions for mould to grow.
- Check guttering and downpipes: Overflowing gutters can mean ruined brickwork, leading to penetrating damp, affecting interior features like plaster and wallpaper.
Edwards said property owners could avoid fines and ward off huge costs further down the road by taking a few precautions.
"Damp can cause untold damage to the fabric of buildings and to people's health, but there are some fairly simple measures that can be taken to mitigate those risks.
He added, "Modern homes tend to be sealed tight. We have draught-proofing, double glazing and insulation, which are great for heat retention, but we have forgotten to account for the moisture that arises from cooking, washing, and just breathing.
"And with the Renters' Rights Act placing the onus firmly on landlords to act, ignoring that moisture is no longer an option."
