Issue - meetings

To update Cabinet on the progress of the Damp and Mould Action Plan approved by in February 2023.

Cabinet noted the progress of the Damp and Mould Action Plan and was informed that this involved work by Housing Repairs, Capital Works and Private Sector Housing.

In addition to the actions previously agreed the Housing Ombudsman had raised an expectation on landlords to publish a self-assessment of the 26 recommendations for landlords outlined in its report ‘Spotlight on Damp and Mould, it’s not Lifestyle’. No deadline had been given for this to be completed.

RESOLVED that the new actions of the Damp and Mould Action Plan be approved.

Reason

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as amended by the Housing (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act requires a property is fit for human habitation at the beginning of the tenancy and for the duration of the tenancy; and where a landlord fails to do so; the tenant has the right to take action in the courts for against the Council breach of contract on the grounds that the property is unfit for human habitation. To address this duty, the council needs to have a planned maintenance programme with periodic inspections and an effective responsive repairs service. The Council’s obligations as landlord to repair and maintain Council properties are set out in the tenancy agreement. In addition, section 11 of the Landlord Tenant Act 1985 sets out statutory obligations to ensure that the structure of homes is repaired and the repairs are carried out within a reasonable time.