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How to tackle damp and mould as the mercury falls

damp mould nrla training

Damp and mould can affect your rental properties at any time of year; but issues are much more likely to occur in colder months.

As temperatures plummet tenants are much more likely to keep windows closed to keep heat in and more likely to dry clothes indoors – some of the leading causes of damp and, consequently, mould.

Of course, damp and mould are not only caused by lifestyle factors but can also occur as a result of structural issues within the property; and this is where the NRLA comes in.

Whether you are a landlord, agent or social housing provider our Damp and Mould Awareness course will help you identify the cause of damp and mould in your rental homes, as well as the best ways to treat it.

Damp and mould are serious health hazards and hit the headlines after toddler Awaab Ishak tragically died back in December 2020 from a respiratory condition found to have been caused by ‘extensive’ mould in his housing association home.

Awaab’s Law, introduced in the wake of  his death, will be applied to the PRS for the first time when the new Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, and will set clear timeframes within which landlords must rectify serious hazards.

It will also give tenants the right to take their landlord to court if they don’t meet their obligations, much in the same way they can now under Fitness for Human Habitation laws.  

According to official figures the private rented sector has the highest incidence of condensation and dampness of all tenures, and it is one of the main causes of tenant complaints to councils.

While structural issues can be rectified relatively simply, the causes are often more complex and, as a result, can be difficult to identify and resolve.

Our Damp and Mould Awareness course will provide practical guidance on causes, advice to give your tenant and actions you can take to both protect your tenants and reduce the risk of legal action.

The course will outline:

• The different types of dampness - rising, penetrating dampness, hygroscopic salts and condensation, and how to identify them

• The common causes of damp and mould and potential solutions

• The law affecting dampness and condensation

• The responsibilities and obligations of the landlord, agent and tenant

• How to reduce the impact of damp and mould and some of the common misconceptions that both tenants and landlords have regarding condensation

• The importance of heating, ventilation and thermal insulation

When it comes to delivery there are a number of eClassroom dates on offer. These courses are delivered by our expert trainers via Zoom in real time, with delegates able to communicate with the trainer and their fellow students. There is also an in-person course running in London in March.

For more information on the Damp and Mould Awareness course, including prices, dates and times click here.

More information

• This training course qualifies for three continuous professional development (CPD) points which can help towards or maintain your accreditation with the NRLA. For more information on becoming accredited with the NRLA click here.

• For more information on the full range of courses offered by the NRLA Training Academy click here.

Tags:

Damp and mould
Damp mould
Damp condensation

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