Online searches for damp and mould have increased by 34%, as changes to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) place renewed attention on property safety and landlords’ responsibilities.
New research from property inspection software provider Inventory Base reveals a significant rise in Google searches relating to damp and mould, highlighting growing awareness of housing hazards and the importance of maintaining safe rental properties.
The findings come alongside updates to the HHSRS framework, which is used to assess potential health and safety risks in residential properties.
What has changed under the HHSRS?
The HHSRS has undergone its first major overhaul in 20 years, with the number of identified hazards reduced from 29 to 21 through the combination of several existing categories.
For example, hazards relating to falls in baths, showers and on level surfaces have been brought together under a single category.
The revised framework also introduces baseline indicators to help assessors identify potential property deficiencies more consistently.
Despite these changes, Inventory Base found that searches for HHSRS-related terms increased by just 0.5%, while searches for “housing inspection” fell by 47.3%.
However, damp and mould remain a major concern, with search interest rising from an average score of 38.65 to 51.88 over the periods analysed.
Why damp and mould matter for landlords
Damp and mould can have serious implications for tenants’ health, as well as the overall condition of a rental property.
For student landlords, addressing these issues promptly is particularly important, especially in shared accommodation where ventilation, heating and moisture levels can present additional challenges.
Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Inventory Base, emphasised the importance of understanding housing hazards and maintaining accurate property records.
She explained that consistent inspections and documentation can help landlords identify problems, monitor property conditions and demonstrate the steps taken to resolve issues.
What should student landlords do?
With housing standards remaining firmly in focus, landlords should take a proactive approach to property maintenance.
Regular inspections, prompt investigation of damp and mould reports, adequate ventilation and clear maintenance records can all help protect tenants and prevent minor problems from escalating.
Inventory Base has also introduced a new HHSRS template tool to support landlords and letting agents in identifying and documenting potential hazards.
Although inspection reports cannot replace formal HHSRS assessments, maintaining detailed records can help landlords demonstrate responsible property management.
For student landlords, staying informed about housing safety requirements and addressing potential hazards early is essential to providing safe, comfortable and well-maintained accommodation.
