Ruddington residents in privately rented accommodation are being encouraged to complete a short, anonymous online survey on their living conditions and alert our local authority if living in a property with significant damp or mould problems.
The survey is being carried out by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) to find out how prevalent the issues are in privately rented houses within our village and across the wider area. It says the results could help shape the way it works with landlords and tenants to manage the risks they can cause.
The very serious problem was highlighted recently by the verdict of an inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak, who died shortly after his second birthday in December 2020. His exposure to “extensive” mould for “some considerable time” at his home on an estate in Rochdale was cited as the cause.
Tenants in Ruddington may give feedback, completely anonymously, in an online survey which can now be found >>HERE<< and is open until Tuesday January 31st 2023. Alternatively you can call the Council’s Customer Services team on 0115 981 9911.
Even in warm, well ventilated, and generally looked after properties, mould growth can occur in some parts of the home, especially now, in the colder months. RBC estimates there are approximately 7,000 privately rented households in Rushcliffe which make up about 15% of all accommodation types.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing Cllr Roger Upton says: “We want to make privately rented homes in the Borough decent, safe and comfortable places to live as much as possible. Damp and mould in homes have been linked to some respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma and can also affect the immune system. We want to raise awareness of the effects of damp and mould and further prevent these health risks.”
He urges: “If you are a tenant with a private landlord and live in Rushcliffe, we want to hear from you if your property suffers with damp and mould issues. Please take the time to complete the survey so we can alert landlords further as to their responsibilities.”
Further information, including advice on preventing damp and mould is available on the RBC’s website at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/housing/housingstandards.
