Course of the Month - Damp and Mould Awareness

Damp and mould are common issues in rental homes – particularly at this time of year – but tackling the issues can be complex. 

Both are recognised as hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, used to assess housing conditions in England, with rules set to be tightened under the Renters’ Rights Act. 

Causes can range from structural problems within the property or issues with proper ventilation or heating, but, ultimately landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring their property is let out in a safe condition and free from hazards.  

Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard 

Awaab’s Law, named after a toddler who tragically died as a result of exposure to mould in his social rented home, will compel landlords to take action to tackle damp and mould within set timelines. It has already been introduced in the social sector and will be extended to the private rented sector (PRS) under the Renters’ Rights Act.  

The Decent Homes Standard, which currently covers the social sector is also be rolled out the PRS under the Act – with rental properties needing to be free of damp and mould to be considered decent under current plans. 

It is vital, therefore, that you are up to speed when it comes to your responsibilities, including how to identify, prevent and treat damp and mould. 

This is where our eLearning course, Damp and Mould Awareness: Best Practice for Property Maintenance, comes in. 

Combining an exploration of the existing and future legislation with practical tips and advice, it will help you ensure your homes are safe for your tenants.  

The course will include information on: 

• The law affecting damp and condensation. 

• How to identify different types of damp, from rising damp to condensation.  

• How the conditions arise and potential solutions. 

• Your obligations and those of your tenant. 

• How heating, ventilation and thermal insulation help 

It will also include common misconceptions – as well as featuring real-world case studies. 

Our eLearning courses allow you to study at your own pace at a time and place to suit you.  

The course costs just £45 for members and £53.10 for non-members.  

Click here for more information and to sign up. 

More information 

• To read our damp and mould guidance please click here. 

• When it comes to property standards Safe2 is the NRLA's one stop shop for all things compliance, allowing you to order any required safety certificate with just a click of a button. For more information click here. 

• To help get ready for all the changes coming up under the new Renters' Rights Bill visit our exclusive member hub here, or why not take our Renters' Rights Bill training course to help you prepare.   

• Accreditation: Learning with the NRLA allows you to accrue continuous professional development (CPD) points which can help towards becoming accredited with the NRLA. NRLA Accreditation recognises landlords who have agreed to maintain professional standards in the management and maintenance of their rented property and deal fairly and professionally with their tenants. You can find out more by clicking here.   

• For more details of courses on offer from the NRLA's award-winning Training Academy click here.