damp and mould

A poll of tenanted households, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Safeguard Europe, the UK’s leading specialist in damp-proofing and waterproofing technology, has revealed a new North-South divide.  Renters living in the South are more likely to encounter damp and mould in their homes than those living in the North.

The poll of 1,154 tenants, conducted earlier this year, found that in London, the East of England and the South East, the highest proportion of tenants reported encountering damp or mould while living in rented accommodation at 63%, 60% and 56% respectively. Meanwhile, fewer tenants had experienced such problems in the East Midlands, the North East and Scotland at 39%, 39% and 40% respectively.

Following decontamination, redecoration of most mould-afflicted properties will be required and Safeguard Europe now offers a choice of products in its Dryzone range to deliver a high-quality decorative finish to stained walls and other surfaces.

The problem of damp in the social housing sector is one of the most common complaints tenants make about their property.

Every year reports appear in the media highlighting such cases, with stories often linking to health fears over the issue.

With this in mind, national trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has developed an in-house training programme to give specialists in the social housing and local authority sectors with responsibility for housing stock maintenance, a recognised route to qualification.

Safeguard Europe has introduced Dryzone Fast-Set Plaster, a renovation plaster that facilitates the rapid repair of treated damp walls owing to its setting time of only two hours.

Designed to eradicate mould from damp and poorly ventilated properties, Dryzone100 Mould Killer – from  Safeguard Europe provides a convenient, water-based, non-abrasive means of tackling this unsightly and unhealthy problem.

Research carried out across more than 300 local authorities in England and Wales has revealed a 12% tenant complaint rate relating to mould, damp and condensation.

The dangers of damp

If you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.

Ventilation experts are now offering a condensation and mould service to landlords to help them eradicate this costly problem. Tom Wodcke, Product Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia explains there is now a raft of tools available to help landlords simply and effectively deal with condensation and mould.

Condensation and mould can be hard to treat... Since condensation and mould is such a widespread issue it is not surprising it is to be addressed by the government with the proposed Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill. Landlords may soon be obliged to ensure fire safety, adequate heating and sufficient ventilation plus, under the proposed Bill, residents would have the right to sue landlords who let properties that aren’t “fit for human habitation”.