North Herts Council has created a tenants’ charter to set out the rights and responsibilities of tenants, landlords and the council, in a bid to keep private rented homes up to scratch.

As part of the charter, a new strategy and action plan aims to help reduce incidences of damp and mould in North Herts homes, in line with Labour’s efforts to raise standards in the sector.

The council has published a checklist for tenants about keeping condensation at bay - the most common form of damp in rented properties.

It tells tenants to contact the council if they believe that problems are a result of a repair or construction issue and if their landlord won’t help, to contact the council.

It also urges tenants to check that their landlord has provided a current EPC at the start of each new tenancy as, without a good EPC score or if the property isn’t heated sufficiently, condensation and mould are more likely.

In the social sector, Awaab’s Law will force landlords to fix damp and mould as well as carry out emergency repairs from October.

They must investigate a hazard that is brought to their attention within 14 days and issue a written report on the findings, then start repair work within seven days.

These must be completed in a reasonable time period and not unreasonably delayed. If emergency repairs are needed, landlords have a 24-hour deadline.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will compel private landlords to comply with Awaab’s Law, although the implementation date is yet to be announced.

North Herts councillor Dave Winstanley, executive member for housing and environmental health, said: “This information…explains the council’s role to help ensure that all tenants are safe and well in rental accommodation whether they are in social housing or renting from a private landlord.”

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