It is essential that landlords ensure that social and private housing stock is well maintained and fit for human habitation. As a result, there is a clear requirement for effective ventilation, heating, good indoor air quality, and freedom from damp, condensation and mould within UK homes.

From the day they move in and for the duration of a tenancy residents have a right to good indoor air quality (IAQ) within their homes, protecting their health from the ill effects of condensation and mould. It is with these factors in mind that the UK government has recently passed new legislation relating to healthy homes.

Homes fit for habitation

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, came into force on 20th March 2019. The Act makes it a legal requirement that social and private rental properties are fit for human habitation at the beginning and throughout a tenancy, including the need for effective ventilation and freedom from damp.

An amendment to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act now addresses problems caused by defective design – such as lack of ventilation – rather than just disrepair. The new rules also cover communal areas in shared buildings. If a home does not meet the standard and the property owner does not carry out the necessary repairs or maintenance, tenants will have the right to take them to court where a judge can issue an injunction forcing the work to be carried out.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 will make landlords more accountable for conditions in their homes.Properties will be assessed on a range of criteria including; repair, stability, freedom from damp, internal arrangement, natural lighting, ventilation, water supply, drainage and sanitary conveniences.