As the property management sector continues to adapt to new regulations and increased scrutiny, the latest Housing Ombudsman report highlighting over 100 severe cases of maladministration related to damp and mould serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for better property management practices. These cases reflect a range of failures, from delayed responses to inadequate repair work and poor communication with residents.
This report follows shortly after our previous blog on Awaab’s Law, where we explored the legal obligations surrounding damp and mould and the devastating impact these issues can have on residents. With the Housing Ombudsman’s findings revealing that damp and mould complaints remain a significant challenge, the question arises: how can property managers ensure they are not only compliant but also proactive in preventing these issues from escalating?
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The timing of this report couldn’t be more crucial. Following the enactment of Awaab’s Law, property managers now face stricter compliance requirements, with penalties for non-compliance growing more severe. Awaab’s Law mandates landlords to address mould and damp problems within strict time frames and ensures that tenants have better avenues for reporting these issues.
However, as the Housing Ombudsman report reveals, it’s not just about having the right policies in place; it’s about the effectiveness of implementation. This is a reminder that compliance alone isn’t enough – property managers must actively engage with tenants, ensuring that their concerns are heard and that solutions are both timely and sustainable.
At Spike, we know that effective property management relies on seamless communication and efficient workflows. Our award-winning Spike Living platform is designed to help property managers address damp and mould issues quickly and efficiently, ensuring that all tasks, from reporting to resolution, are tracked and completed in real-time, with the golden thread of information easily accessible.
How Spike Living Can Help Address Damp and Mould Issues
Spike Living offers a range of features that can be integral in preventing, managing, and resolving damp and mould issues:
1.) Real-Time Reporting and Communication
Delays in addressing damp and mould issues can have serious consequences, not just for tenant health but for your reputation as a property manager. Clear communication channels and a system to track complaints can prevent issues from spiraling out of control.
What’s more, many of the Ombudsman’s findings pointed to a breakdown in trust between tenants and property managers. Keeping residents informed about the steps you’re taking to resolve their complaints is critical for maintaining good relationships and ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly.
With Spike Living, tenants can easily report damp and mould issues through the platform, ensuring their concerns are logged promptly. Property managers are immediately notified, enabling fast action to address the issue. The platform’s built-in messaging system allows seamless communication with residents, ensuring they are informed of progress and outcomes.
The platform integrates with tools like Fixflo, enhancing the repair and maintenance workflow. This ensures that reports are automatically transferred to the correct teams for action, allowing residents’ concerns to be addressed promptly and efficiently.
2.) Maintenance Tracking and Scheduling for Proactive Maintenance
Preventative measures, such as regular property inspections and maintenance checks, can go a long way in identifying and mitigating damp and mould risks before they become major issues. Ensure your team is trained to spot early signs of these problems.
Spike Living allows property managers to schedule, set reminders for regular property inspections and track maintenance tasks. With a centralised system to manage repairs, you can ensure that any issues related to damp or mould are identified and addressed quickly, before they escalate.
The platform also provides data-driven insights that allow property managers to identify recurring issues across properties. If there are patterns related to damp or mould, this can trigger proactive action, such as improving ventilation or scheduling more frequent inspections in affected areas.
3.) Documentation and Case Management
As the report demonstrates, maladministration cases often arise from a lack of thorough documentation. It’s essential to keep records of all communications, repairs, and inspections related to damp and mould issues to avoid potential legal challenges.
Spike Living allows property managers to document all complaints, communications, and resolutions in one place. This feature provides a comprehensive record of all actions taken to resolve damp and mould issues, which is critical for compliance and accountability, especially when dealing with regulatory bodies or in the event of a dispute.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Property Managers
As the Housing Ombudsman report and Awaab’s Law highlight, it’s clear that the traditional methods of property management may no longer be sufficient to meet the demands of today’s regulatory environment. Property managers must embrace a more proactive and technology-driven approach to keep pace with evolving regulations and resident expectations.
Spike Living not only helps property managers stay compliant with the latest legislation but also fosters better communication with residents, ensuring that issues like damp and mould are reported and resolved in real-time. By leveraging technology, property managers can stay one step ahead, helping to avoid the pitfalls outlined in the Ombudsman’s report, and ensuring they provide the safest, healthiest living conditions for their residents.
Book a demo today to learn how Spike Living can help you stay on top of damp and mould issues and maintain the safety of your properties.
