Responsibilities
Comprehensive and focused information on how to deal with moisture related issues is available on our website and is promoted and available to tenants through a variety of platforms and formats.
If condensation, mould and damp related issues remain untreated in the home they can lead to or exacerbate health issues, including respiratory conditions, skin problems, infections and weakened immune system.
6.1 Landlord
We will support and work with our tenants to ensure that their homes remain safe, healthy, and affordable to live in.
Reports of moisture related issues will be responded to in a timely manner. At the first point of report:
- A video diagnosis tool may be used to establish what the issue may be. The outcome of this may be the prioritisation of a property surveyor visit.
- A leaflet may also be issued to the tenant with guidance on how to address the issue, this will result in a four week follow up call to confirm if the issue has eased or is resolved or is a visit required.
All reasonable steps will be taken to access a property to enable an inspection to take place to investigate and determine the cause of the issue and identify remedial work within an agreed time.
The tenant will be informed at each stage of the report and receive communication throughout the time that their report is being dealt with.
All moisture related repairs and attempts to contact tenants will be recorded. If there is no response after we have made three attempts, the Housing Management Team will be notified for them to attempt contact with the tenant. Two attempts will be made and if there has been no successful contact, then court proceedings may be used for access to be granted.
We will ensure that remedial work is carried out by qualified and trained staff, this extends to any contractors used. Improvement work may include the installation of mechanical fans, air vents and insulation.
Upon the completion of remedial work, we will ensure that internal walls are made good to enable redecoration to take place.
Where remedial work is not required, tenants will receive advice and guidance on how to prevent, manage and control the issue.
Where it is not possible to carry out remedial work, alternative solutions will be explored, with the tenant receiving a full explanation on this.
During the work, we will offer and provide support and assistance to tenants, if required. This includes:
- Their possessions being adequately protected, if it has not been possible to remove them from the repair area.
- The provision of alternative interim accommodation, if it is not possible for the household to remain in their home during the work.
- Consideration to rehouse the household on a permanent basis. This may be in conjunction with supporting and relevant medical information and recommendation.
- If appropriate to do so, we will, with the tenant’s consent refer to internal and external service areas and organisations that may be able to provide some additional support. This will include health related issues, any debt management concerns, and the possibility of maximising the household income.
We will develop a robust database that will inform of the possible moisture risks to properties. This will allow us to identify and introduce proactive measures to minimise them before they create problems for our tenants.
6.2 Tenants
Tenants should regularly check their property for moisture issues and report any concerns as soon as they are aware of them.
Tenants should allow the council and any of our contractor’s access to the property for an inspection to determine the cause and identify remedial action. If access is persistently not permitted, tenants must be aware that the Authority may seek legal permission to gain access.
The remedial action may not result in intrusive work, therefore all advice and guidance received should be followed to control and manage to problem. This could be keeping the property well ventilated, using mechanical extractions fans, air vents and being mindful of not covering radiators and/or heating appliances. If mechanical equipment is provided, then the tenant is expected to use it as instructed.
If the property condition worsens due to advice not being followed or machinery used, tenants may be responsible for any repairs required because of this.
If a tenant wishes to make any structural and /or cosmetic change to their home, they should contact us to seek advice and permission to ensure the change will not increase the risk of moisture related issues.
6.3 Leaseholders
Leaseholders are responsible for managing and maintaining their own homes as per their leasehold agreement. This includes responsibility for repairs which are the result of their actions or non-actions.
The council is the freeholder for the property and is responsible for maintaining the fabric of the leasehold properties and buildings. It will not carry out any condensation, mould and damp related remedial work that sits outside of this.
Any condensation, mould and damp related work that is identified due to neglect by the leaseholder will be dealt with through the leasehold agreement.