Moray Council – Damp and mould a problem in a quarter of homes

Damp and mould is a problem in Moray Council housing.

More than a quarter of tenants responding to a survey about their homes said they had issues. And the worst-hit area is Speyside which accounts for almost 32% of all cases.

Between July and September, market research company Knowledge Partnership contacted 1500 tenants randomly on behalf of Moray Council to take part in the survey.

Of those who responded 392 experienced damp or mould in their home.

And of the 265 who reported the problem over half – 150 – were still waiting for the council to address it.

Also 77 tenants confirmed the issue has re-occurred since reporting it.

A total of 127 tenants experiencing damp or mould did not report it.

The survey also highlighted during the last 12 months 34% of those who responded did not to put their heating on because they could not afford to.

Building services manager Mike Rollo told the housing committee on Tuesday (19 November) action was being taken to help people.

And certain habits can exacerbate the issues.

These included drying clothes on radiators, using unvented tumble dryers and not opening windows which can cause moisture.

Mr Rollo added the authority was in “damp and mould season” with officers dealing with 30 to 40 cases a week.

However councillor John Divers highlighted that many tenants were suffering because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Labour councillor for Elgin South said: “We’ve got 34% of our tenants who can’t afford to put their heating on.

“That’s going to exacerbate the problem.”

And Conservative councillor for Forres Paul McBain highlighted that the council had a “duty of care” to its tenants.

The council has reviewed its damp and mould procedures to help reduce the number of complaints and improve housing stock.

These include arranging an inspection within a seven day period as standard, or in three if there are vulnerable people in the household.

And if a specialist damp survey is required it will be carried out within 14 days.