Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy

7.1 Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (opens new window) places an obligation on Gateshead Council, as a landlord, to maintain the exterior and structure of the property. This includes installations for the provision of water, heating systems, drainage, sanitary appliances and gas and electricity.  It ensures a rented property is kept in a good state of repair.

7.2 We will provide a range of simple ways for tenants to report instances of damp and mould and take any reports of damp and condensational mould seriously.

7.3 We will investigate to determine the cause of damp, mould and condensation and carry out appropriate treatments, remedial repairs, actions, and improvements that will reduce instances of damp, mould and condensation.

7.4 We will undertake a property inspection when a repair is reported relating to suspected damp, mould, and condensation.

7.5 We will diagnose the cause of damp correctly and deliver effective solutions based on the ethos of dealing with the cause of the damp, and not just the symptom.

7.6 We will ensure that only competent operatives are employed to carry out any works and that the tenants' possessions are adequately protected during the works.

7.7 We will insulate homes in accordance with the Decent Homes Standard to help reduce the likelihood of condensation occurring.

7.8 We will take responsibility for maintaining tenants' homes to avoid penetrating and rising damp, and for carrying out remedial action if these problems occur.

7.9 We will undertake reasonable improvement works required to assist in the management and control of damp, mould and condensation.

7.10 We will make reasonable attempts to access a property to inspect/complete works.

7.11 We will respond to a report of damp, mould and condensation, and complete any remedial works or measures within a reasonable timescale in line with this policy. This will be dependent on the severity and urgency of the problem and on the complexity of the solution. We will take into account the vulnerability of the tenant and their household.

7.12 We will endeavour to use the data we have gathered to improve homes to reduce the prevalence of damp, mould and condensation.

7.13 We will ensure technical and operational staff are trained to deal with damp, mould and condensation and are able to give advice to tenants. We will provide our officers with the correct equipment to assess damp in properties and find a resolution to the problem if it is our responsibility.

7.14 We will inform both residents and staff about the health risks of living in damp and/or mouldy homes, and we will publicise the damp remediation work we do.

7.15 We will clearly and regularly update residents with advice regarding any actions we can take or have taken to resolve reports of damp and condensational mould.

7.16 We will regularly monitor and inspect remedial work to ensure this is effective and to minimise the re-occurrence of damp, mould and condensation.

7.17 If the damp and mould cannot be eliminated through work to the property, we will provide additional support and advice to the resident on managing and controlling the occurrences of damp, mould and condensation. This support will be provided through the provision of advice and guidance and by working with our tenants.