Letting agencies in and around Hull are among the first to sign up to an officially-backed initiative to tackle damp and mould in privately rented homes around the UK.

Some 21 property management firms have committed to the project which is sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with the first councils to announce their involvement being the East Riding of Yorkshire and Hull City councils.

They, along with other local authorities around the UK, will run pilot projects which are to raise awareness among private tenants and landlords about the dangers of damp and mould and the statutory requirements to resolve them.

The joint initiative between East Riding and Hull follows a seminar held for letting and managing agents earlier this year to highlight the steps that private landlords must take, and the essential role that they play in preventing damp in their properties.

Recent legislation means that landlords are legally mandated to take steps to address damp and mould issues, and failure to do so can result in enforcement action from the local council.

Ventilated

But the two councils are not piling the blame for mould and damp entirely on them and landlords – the advice given out local also urges tenants to keep their properties well ventilated, saying they should be “opening windows or using extractor fans when cooking or showering. Condensation should be wiped down prompted, and clothes should be dried outside if possible”

Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire cabinet member for communities and public protection said: “Damp and mould are serious issues, and it is imperative that tenants and landlords take action to avoid adverse health effects.

“Many thanks to the agents who have signed to the initiative and taken proactive steps to tackle these issues. I encourage anyone concerned about damp and mould to report it to their letting agents or landlord, and visit our help pages for more information.”