Leading property agents in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire have been praised for their efforts to ensure that landlords and tenants understand the causes behind damp and mould, and the remedial actions needed to fix them.
28 agents in the region have signed up with the two Local Authorities’ housing teams to ensure appropriate steps are taken, without the need for enforcement action
The initiative is set to widen to ensure landlords and tenants also understand the new legal tenancy protections under the Renters Rights Act.
Agents were invited to sign up and inform themselves of the new legislation, including at an event featuring national speaker Paul Shamplina from Landlord Action.
He said: “The world of the private rental sector is changing from the Friday 1 May, with more compliance on renting out your property than ever before.
“Landlords and agents need to educate and understand the legislation changes coming in.
“It’s great that Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have taken this initiative to work with local landlords and agents in educating them on dealing with damp and mould.
“Educating on condensation and mould is important, and it’s essential that agents and landlords have clear lines of communication with tenants on how they heat and ventilate their homes.”
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Renewal, Housing and Organisational Development, said: “It’s great that we have a good number of local agents on board with our measures to prevent damp and mould occurring.
“Whilst it’s important that tenants do take steps themselves to try to stop these issues happening in the first place, we know that there are going to be damp and mould problems that would need to be sorted by their landlord.
“I would encourage more landlords to sign up to the campaign, so that they can have the right guidance they need to ensure they are complying with existing and emerging legislation.”
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: “This is a key initiative to ensure that prompt action is taken against damp and mould, and that landlords are aware of their regulatory obligations.
“We encourage more agents to sign up and work with the council to ensure their tenants and landlords are aware of their responsibilities.”