A trade association’s new tech solution aims to help landlords identify and resolve the root causes of damp and mould in rented properties.

The Property Care Association’s (PCA) specialist company Maple Diagnostics believes the launch of its cutting-edge moisture diagnostic system is particularly timely as the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill will extend Awaab’s Law to the private sector, requiring landlords to follow strict timescales to inspect and repair hazards including damp and mould.

PCA chief executive Sarah Garry (pictured) says the data and evidence-based system allows surveyors to provide clear evidence to tenants and landlords and could prove transformational when it comes to mould investigation works.

“Being able to identify the root cause of damp and mould issues, we believe, will help resolve disputes and focus any corrective actions, saving both time and money,” says Garry.

Research project

The initiative is the result of a three-year research project with the University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering and works by placing measurement devices including environmental sensors into properties to measure conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity.

Results are calculated which show why an individual home is out of balance in terms of its moisture levels. After uploading the data to Maple’s website, a report is generated which suggests solutions to address the issue.

The moisture diagnostic system is available for short, medium or long-term hire from £15 per month, with each data-driven report costing £150. Sensors have to be left i situ for at least two weeks.