District councils in Cambridgeshire are urging renters to seek help when dealing with mould issues this winter if their landlords do not resolve them.

Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland and South Cambridgeshire District Councils have offered mould advice and support to the public following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.

Awaab died in 2022, eight days after his second birthday, from chronic exposure to mould at the family's social housing home in Rochdale.

The housing provider, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), accepted at the inquest that a more proactive approach should have been taken to tackle the mould after Awaab's parents accused RBH of doing nothing over a number of years to tackle the mould problem.

Local Authorities have since issued reminders to renters about their rights when dealing with mould and how to seek help if their landlords are not taking appropriate action.

East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC)

The ECDC domestic team in environmental health reports that they usually see an increase in enquiries about damp and mould in homes during the winter and anticipate it will increase more this year due to the cost-of-living crisis.

All complaints about housing conditions, either in the private or the social sector, are responded to by officers qualified to undertake housing inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Depending on findings within the property, officers will either agree on practical measures that the tenant can take, with a review period agreed, or the landlord will be advised of the remedial work required. 

Information on how to make a complaint if tenants feel their landlord is not satisfactorily addressing repairs is available on the Housing Information for Landlords and Tenants page on the ECDC website www.eastcambs.gov.uk/housing/private-housing-accreditation. 

There is also information on preventing and dealing with condensation and mould at www.eastcambs.gov.uk/sites/default/files/housing/condensation_information_leafet_english_version_19190.pdf.

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC)

HDC does not own any of its housing stock, but urgent damp and mould issues in both the privately rented and social housing sector should be initially reported to the relevant landlord or housing association.

If this does not resolve the matter, mould issues should be reported to HDC.

HDC will offer advice on actions you can take to try and resolve the issue and may also carry out inspections which may lead to further action being taken formally or informally to resolve the matter with the landlord.

A spokesperson for HDC said: "Homes should be a safe place for people and their families. Although rented properties in Huntingdonshire are generally in good condition, our Environmental Health team will always investigate complaints where a landlord has not resolved issues associated with damp and mould or other property repairs.

For more information, visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/housing/housing-standards.

Fenland District Council (FDC)

Fenland residents who live in social and privately rented housing are reminded that they can seek help from FDC if mould issues are not resolved by their landlords.

Tenants who are not satisfied with the response of their landlord after raising a formal complaint about the condition of their home can contact FDC using the online form at www.fenland.gov.uk/housingcomplaints or by emailing privatesectorhousing@fenland.gov.uk.

Cases will be assessed and triaged, and where appropriate, officers will carry out a property inspection and work with the landlord/agent to require remedial work to be carried out – with the power to serve legal notices if issues are not resolved.

Cllr Samantha Hoy, FDC's portfolio holder for housing, said: "This year, with the cost-of-living crisis and people reducing their use of heating, which can result in damp and mould growth, the number of enquiries is much greater than normal.

"Protecting tenants from unsafe and poor housing conditions remains a big priority in Fenland, and we will not hesitate to use powers to ensure standards are being met.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC)

Private Sector and Housing Association tenants can make a complaint about the condition of their home by emailing env.health@scambs.gov.uk.

The complainants should include their address, landlord’s details, what the issue is, how long it has been a problem and any photographs available to show the extent of the issue.

SCDC has the power to take the appropriate enforcement action if issues need to be resolved.

This action could include writing to the landlord to ensure the issue is resolved, but the Council can also serve a legal notice to instruct works to be carried out. 

Cllr Henry Batchelor, SCDC lead cabinet member for environment, said: "Although rented properties in this area are generally in good condition, we want to ensure anyone renting is aware that the Council is here to help you if your landlord does not address your concerns."