MRC attended a recent event with local councils and property professionals discussing how we can better tackle damp and mould in rental homes.
So far, 28 letting agents in the region have signed up to the initiative, which aims to ensure agents fully understand their responsibilities while helping landlords make necessary improvements without formal enforcement.
Although the Decent Homes Standard is not expected to apply to the private rented sector until 2035, damp and mould are already covered under current legislation. Councils have increasing powers to inspect properties, issue improvement notices, and enforce penalties where necessary.
Chris Dunnachie, private sector housing manager at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, says both local authorities have tried to engage with local letting and managing agents for the last 18 months.
“I commend the 28 agents who have so far decided to sign up but out of nearly 200 agents in the region this figure is disappointingly low,” he tells LandlordZONE. “This may be due to a fear of putting their head above the parapet to working with the housing regulators, or that the information of how to sign up has not reached the correct decision maker in the agent’s organisation.”
With upcoming legislation like Awaab's Law and changes under the Renters' Rights Act, staying informed means we can continue supporting our landlords and tenants while ensuring homes remain safe, compliant, and well maintained.
Comments