Housing agents in Hull and its surrounding areas have become the first to sign up to an officially supported initiative to tackle damp and mold in private rental properties across the UK.
Around 21 property management companies are involved in the project, which is backed by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council the first councils to announce their involvement. 
They will be working with other local authorities across the UK to run a pilot project to raise awareness among private tenants and landlords about the dangers of damp and mold and the legal requirements to address them.
The joint East Riding and Hull initiative follows a seminar held for letting and management agents earlier this year to highlight the steps private landlords should take and the important role they play in preventing damp in their properties. It is something.
Under recent legislation, landlords have a legal obligation to take steps to deal with damp and mold problems, and failure to do so could result in enforcement action being taken by the local council.
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But the councils aren't putting all the blame for mold and damp on themselves and homeowners. Local advice urges tenants to keep their properties well ventilated, saying: “You should open a window or use an extractor fan when cooking or showering.” Condensation should be wiped off immediately and clothing should be dried outdoors if possible. ”
Councilor Lynn Heering, cabinet member for communities and public protection for East Riding of Yorkshire, said: “Dampness and mold are serious issues and it is important that tenants and landlords take action to avoid negative health effects. It is essential.”
“A huge thank you to the agencies who have signed on to this initiative and taken proactive steps to tackle these issues. If you are concerned about damp or mold, please report it to your letting agent or landlord. We recommend that you refer to our help page for more information.
