Damp and mould
The Council’s Housing team provides general housing advice on how to deal with damp and mould, or how to register complaints about damp and mould in privately rented properties.
Advice and support
Contact your landlord as soon as you notice damp, and then use the following steps to start mitigating the problem yourself:
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by using extraction fans in bathrooms and kitchens to expel moisture. This prevents excess humidity build-up.
- Open Windows: Regularly open windows to promote cross-ventilation, allowing humid indoor air to be replaced by drier outdoor air, especially on dry days.
- Use a Hygrometer: You can invest in a humidity meter (hygrometer) to monitor indoor humidity levels and make adjustments as needed. Humidity levels exceeding 70% for prolonged periods can foster mould growth, while levels below 30% may lead to issues like dry skin and respiratory discomfort.
- Dry Wet Items Outside: Avoid drying wet clothing or other items indoors, as it can increase humidity. Use outdoor drying spaces or well-ventilated rooms.
- Maintain Room Temperature: Keep room temperatures comfortable but not excessively warm. Colder air holds less moisture, helping reduce humidity levels.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean and maintain your living space to prevent moisture sources and mould growth, focusing on high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens and windows.
If you need to contact the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team to raise an issue, or if a landlord is not addressing an issue, you can do so via envhealth@broxbourne.gov.uk or by calling the Council’s Customer Services Team on 01992 785555.
If you've followed the advice provided above and continue to experience persistent damp and mould problems, you have the option to submit a complaint to the Council about your property. If communication with your landlord has not led to a resolution, you can report the issue through the following link:
Report an environmental issue or nuisance
The Council's responsibilities
In situations where a landlord fails to take adequate measures to resolve damp and mould issues within a rented property, tenants can seek support from Broxbourne Council Environmental Health.
An officer will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the property using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. This assessment is a meticulous process aimed at evaluating the severity of issues and their impact on the well-being of tenants.
If serious problems are found, the Council will take further action, which may include:
- Informal Negotiations with the Landlord: The council initiates dialogue with the landlord, encouraging them to make the necessary improvements to the property. This step aims to resolve the issues amicably and avoid the need for formal enforcement actions.
- Formal Enforcement Actions Against the Landlord: If, after negotiations, the landlord fails to take the required actions to rectify the problems, Broxbourne Council has the authority to initiate formal enforcement actions. This may include issuing a notice compelling the landlord to undertake specific repairs or improvements within a defined timeframe. Failure to comply with such notices can lead to fines or further legal consequences for the landlord.
Further information
The Council has a Damp and Mould Action Plan, which details improvements to the service and steps taken to ensure cases are dealt with properly. This includes holds a Landlord’s Forum annually, which allows the Council to engage with and raise landlords’ awareness of damp and mould, specifically aimed at improving knowledge and understanding of issues and landlord responsibilities, and how landlords should engage with tenants on managing moisture in properties. The team contacts all Housing Associations and licenced Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) every two years to ensure they are actively focused on addressing any damp and mould issues. The team inspects all licenced HMOs on an annual basis to assess hazards and, in particular, to identify any damp or mould. The Council has a graduated enforcement policy, and issues improvement notices and legal proceedings as deemed appropriate.