Tenant health and safety is really important to us. We visit and check our properties routinely, carry out repairs and plan improvements so that PHA’s homes are in good condition and meet modern standards.

The Scottish Housing Quality Standard requires that the homes provided by social landlords:

• meet the Tolerable Standards;
• are free from serious disrepair;
• are energy efficient;
• have modern facilities and services; and
• are healthy, safe and secure.

You may have read in the news recently about the sad and worrying impact of mould and dampness in peoples’ homes. If you have any queries or concerns about your own property, please contact us and we can advise and assist you.

The current cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs, might mean that some tenants face difficulties in heating and ventilating their homes.

Top tips to prevent mould and dampness in your home

• Do not dry wet clothes on heaters – it’s best to dry clothes outside or in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open or fan on to remove the excess moisture from the air.
• Do not use a tumble dryer with no outside vent – unless a tumble dryer is a self-condensing type, it should be vented to the outside.
• Do not block ventilation – for example, covering air vents, closing ventilators and switching off or disabling fans. Ventilation is needed in your home to get rid of moisture. Make sure that you keep a small window slightly open when a room is occupied or leave the trickle vents open if provided.
• Cover pans when cooking and do not leave kettles boiling.
• Close kitchen and bathroom doors when in use, even if they have an extractor fan fitted, as this will help prevent moisture reaching other rooms especially bedrooms which are usually colder and more likely to get condensation.
• Do not cover air brick vents on disused chimneys.
• Avoid clutter and, where possible, do not place furniture directly against walls to allow air to circulate freely.
• Keep your home as warm as is comfortable and you can afford. Temperature is a very personal thing, but usually 19-22 Celsius is ideal for living rooms and 16-20 degrees is best for bedrooms. When away from home, you should aim to keep the rooms above 15 degrees to avoid condensation.
• If you find mould in your home wash down with a fungicidal wash, following the manufacturer’s instructions on the product precisely. After treatment redecorate using a good quality paint which contains a fungicidal additive.
• Clothes affected by mildew should be dry cleaned and carpets should be shampooed.