Concerns over damp and mould in rented accommodation were debated in the House of Keys today.
MHKs pressed the Minister for Infrastructure Tim Crookall on when stronger protections for tenants would be introduced.
Glenfaba and Peel MHK Kate Lord-Brennan said damp and mould can be devastating for tenants when left unresolved and argued that existing measures were clearly not working for everyone.
She asked whether legislation would be brought forward and whether protections could be strengthened, including for public sector housing.
Damp & Mould
Mr Crookall acknowledged that public sector housing regulations need further development and said the department would consider new legislation and best practice from other jurisdictions, including England’s Awaab’s Law.
He said current protections already exist under the Landlord and Tenant Acts, which place legal duties on landlords to provide homes fit for human habitation and allow tenants to escalate complaints to environmental health or the courts.
Several MHKs questioned whether those routes were realistic or well understood. Concerns were raised about awareness of tenant rights, the complexity of enforcement routes and whether court action was a viable option for most renters.
The minister said he would raise the issue at a housing committee meeting tomorrow, seek an assessment on strengthening protections for both private and social tenants, and committed to looking at improving public awareness.
He also said he was willing to review UK legislation and to work with both tenants and landlords to find a balanced approach.
The full exchange can be listened to below:
