Propertymark urges tenants and homeowners to be aware of damp and mould
As temperatures drop, Propertymark, a membership body for estate and letting agents, commercial agents, auctioneers, valuers and inventory providers, is urging tenants and homeowners to be aware of the signs of damp and mould and take action early to protect their homes and their health.
Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a severe respiratory infection after being exposed to damp and mould after living with it during a long period in his home in December 2020. His death brought the serious health risks associated with damp and mould into sharp focus and prompted changes to legislation designed to better protect people living in rented accommodation.
Propertymark explained that there are several different types of damp that can affect a property, including rising damp, which occurs when moisture moves upwards from the ground through the masonry of a building; penetrating damp, which occurs when water enters a property from outside; construction damp, which can result from problems with the way a property was designed or built; and condensation damp, occurring when there is too much moisture in the air and insufficient ventilation or airflow. It also emphasised that identifying the underlying cause is important, as simply cleaning visible mould without addressing the source of the problem can allow it to return.
In Scotland, new Investigation and Commencement of Repairs (Scotland) regulations 2026 came into force on 6 October. The regulations introduce specific timescales for landlords dealing with reported damp and mould, including an investigation within 10 working days, a written summary of findings within three working days of completing the investigation and the commencement of required safety work within five working days.
Kim Lidbury, ARLA Propertymark president said: “As temperatures fall and homes become more susceptible to condensation and moisture, the fear of seeing familiar signs of damp and mould return can be a real concern for tenants and their families. Living with persistent damp and mould can have a significant impact on the comfort and enjoyment of a home, as well as potentially affecting physical and mental wellbeing.
“The real-world consequences of living with damp and mould can be catastrophic, which is why it is so important that concerns are taken seriously and addressed in a prompt, robust and effective manner. For families, particularly those with children or other vulnerable household members, the consequences of allowing problems to persist can be devastating.
“Landlords and letting agents have an important role to play in ensuring that reports are acted upon quickly, the underlying cause is properly investigated, and any necessary remedial work is carried out to a high standard. Simply treating the visible symptoms without addressing the root cause risks allowing the problem to return and leaving tenants facing the same concerns repeatedly.”
Pictured: Kim Lidbury, ARLA Propertymark president
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