Concerns have been expressed regarding tenants in Solihull council housing hesitating to report mould problems in their homes, worried that doing so could lead to blame and possible eviction.
These issues emerged during a recent scrutiny board meeting reviewing the council’s updated social housing tenancy agreement. The current agreement, in place since 2012, is being revised to reflect legislative changes and affect approximately 10,000 tenants.
Satnam Kaur, Solihull Council’s Assistant Director of Housing, explained that the update clarifies the council’s role as landlord and Solihull Community Housing’s (SCH) role as the contractor providing services on behalf of the authority. The aim is to strike the right balance in responsibilities between landlord and tenant.
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At the Economic Development, Managed Growth and Skills Scrutiny Board meeting on 29 July, Councillor Max McLoughlin raised concerns about wording in the new agreement requiring tenants to take “reasonable steps to ventilate your home to reduce condensation, damp and mould.”
He pointed out that what constitutes “reasonable steps” may vary between landlords and tenants. This ambiguity might lead to tenants enduring unsafe living conditions silently, fearing that reporting issues could be viewed as breaching their tenancy and potentially lead to eviction.
Darren Baggs, SCH’s Executive Director of Operations, reassured that the wording was not intended to imply tenants bear full responsibility or should avoid reporting problems. He emphasised that tenants can take certain measures to mitigate damp and mould and that the housing provider aims to intervene early, well before any health hazard develops.
Ms Kaur confirmed that councillors’ concerns would inform the final legal review of the tenancy agreement to ensure balanced language.
Additional concerns were voiced by Councillor Kathryn Thomas about maintenance expectations on tenants, such as garden upkeep, fence repairs, and decorating. She noted some tenants, particularly those elderly or with disabilities, may find these obligations difficult.
Mr Baggs responded that such responsibilities are common in tenancy agreements and that support services are available for those facing difficulties. He stressed that while the landlord must ensure properties are habitable, tenants are expected to share responsibility for their homes.
When asked if tenants unable to meet these requirements would face enforcement action, officers clarified that enforcement would be a last resort. Ms Kaur emphasised that the priority would always be to support tenants in maintaining their homes.
The councillors endorsed the principle of updating the tenancy agreement, noting that tenant consultation will take place before any final approval.
The meeting was held on 29 July 2024.