Rising Concerns: Mould and Damp in Wolverhampton’s Private Rented Homes

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate, Wolverhampton is witnessing a troubling rise in the number of private rented homes plagued by mould and damp.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate, Wolverhampton is witnessing a troubling rise in the number of private rented homes plagued by mould and damp. The local council has sounded the alarm, citing a significant uptick in complaints last winter, particularly cases that could impact tenants’ health.

In response to this growing issue, the council has raised the risk rating for its housing regulator. When tenants voice their concerns, the environmental health department steps in with the authority to mandate improvements from private landlords. This intervention is crucial, especially as winter approaches and many families face the daunting challenge of staying warm while juggling other essential expenses.

“The cost-of-living crisis has deepened over the past year with the private rented sector hit the worst; private rents have increased dramatically,” the council’s risk register noted. It’s a stark reminder of how financial strain can lead to deteriorating living conditions, with many families struggling to keep their homes heated. The register also warned that “the number of poorer families unable to heat their homes and so increase the risk of mould will also increase dramatically.”

Disturbingly, at least ten complaints have emerged highlighting how children’s illnesses are being exacerbated by exposure to damp and mould, “including some that had received high dependency care.” This is a chilling statistic that underscores the pressing need for action.

The local council’s efforts have included collaboration with the local hospital trust, where, in five cases this year, families requiring alternative accommodation due to health issues were relocated.

A larger issue looms across the UK: research published by the government in February 2023 revealed that the NHS spends a staggering £1.4 billion annually treating conditions linked to cold or damp housing. According to the English Housing Survey from 2021, about 900,000 homes faced damp problems, with a concerning 11% of these situated in the private rental sector.

In a bid to address such pressing concerns, the government introduced the Renters Rights Bill in September, extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically passed away due to breathing difficulties from living in a mould-infested flat, Awaab’s Law mandates that landlords must investigate complaints within two weeks and initiate repairs within a further seven days. Failure to comply can lead to court-ordered compensation for tenants.

As we head into another winter, the need for safe, healthy housing has never been more critical. Let’s hope these legislative measures and local interventions can bring about the necessary changes to protect vulnerable families in Wolverhampton and beyond.

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