The fight to protect helpless and vulnerable residents from an inviable but deadly problem.
10th March 2023
What is the issue?
Tragically, lives are being cut short due to residents having no choice but to live in cold, damp and unventilated accommodation. This crisis has been made worse by the recent cost of living crisis, that puts a premium on heating homes and therefore allows mould more humid conditions in which to grow.
This can’t be allowed to be ignored any longer. We can not go on putting lives at risk, especially that of helpless children and disabled citizens who are completely unaware of the harmful mould spores they are breathing as they sleep.
Thousands of people in the UK are condemned to live with a hidden danger that relentlessly poses mortal and mental threats: damp and mould. Left neglected for far too long, these spores have the power to reduce one's lifespan as well as erode their psychological wellbeing - something no one should be subjected to.
So what is now being done?
The government has tabled amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, which will require landlords to fix reported health hazards within specified timeframes. The new rules will form part of the tenancy agreement, so tenants can hold landlords to account by law if they fail to provide a decent home.
In recent news of a young child dying due to being subjected by these conditions, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said:
“The tragic death of this young child should never have happened. He was inexcusably let down and his family repeatedly ignored.”
“Today we have announced tough new laws to force social landlords to fix their homes within strict new time limits.”
What are the risks for landlords with this new legislation?
The new legislation suggests that owners of rented property will have a strict time limit to be able to prove they have been able to resolve any damp or mould issues in a property. Analogous laws in other European countries state that if this is not completed then Landlord’s are expected to move inhabitants of their properties to a safe location around their previous home, whether that be a hotel or B&B. This comes at a cost to the landlord.
As well as this, landlords will need to ensure the issue does not keep persisting. Valuable time and money can be spent combatting issues of mould and damp, therefore a solution to stop mould growing at the source would be by far the best solution for many to this issue. Now more than ever, it is essential this legislation is met with proper preventative measures rather than reactive solutions.
If I’m a Landlord or Block Manager, how can I make sure I am protected?
Home-Fresh® Antimicrobial Technology provides superior protection against the growth of nasty, unwanted microorganisms in your home. It forms a hygienic shield blocking out dampness and mould on surfaces year round - no matter what! Choose from carpets, paints or gypsum -- whichever works best for you to help keep bacteria at bay and live with peace of mind that your family is safe.
With Home-Fresh®, you get all the quality and satisfaction of regular products with the unbeatable long-term advantage of consistent freshness. And that's not all - our active ingredients are totally natural so they won't harm any restricted substances or SVHCs while still meeting critical regulation standards. Rest easy knowing your project is in good hands with this market leading innovation!
Our product can be tested using a HomeFresh® testing kit, so you can prove to tenants and authorities that buildings have been treated and are safe for inhabitation. You may think that this technology would require specialist training and knowledge to apply, but HomeFresh® can be painted, sprayed or rolled on with no prior experience of using the technology. Fantastic benefits for to be harnessed by landlords and block managers.
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