Black mould concerns affecting the health of tenants should be a ‘thing of the past’ and can be easily remedied using the latest technologies.

The issue was highlighted last week in a story entitled ‘Social housing tenants seeking damages over black mould’ in Scottish Housing News. It concerned health issues faced by 81 families being represented by Thompsons Solicitors.

Archangel works with technology partners and housing associations across Scotland using a ‘supplier agnostic’, ambient assisted living (AAL) software platform. AAL uses a range of unobtrusive sensors to identify threats and help individuals live safer, happier and healthier lives.

Black mould, which manifests as green and black patches on walls and ceilings, spreads spores that lead to respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, headaches and other problems. According to the article, landlords often blame tenants for these issues with lack of heating and the drying of clothes cited as causes.

The health problems faced by tenants from property threats are eminently solvable through constant 24/7 risk monitoring and we hope that landlords take note of this legal action, exercise their duty of care and follow good industry practice by exploring cost-effective ways in which tenants can feel safer in their own homes.

There is a legal requirement for social landlords and local authorities, through the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, to ensure that any issues that arise are dealt with promptly.

It’s sad to learn that these 81 cases, including many involving children, are being brought by Thompsons Solicitors when there is growing evidence of a better way.

The technologies exist to ensure that mould can become a ‘thing of the past’ with AAL platforms flagging up the risk of mould conditions in real time and enabling property managers to effect immediate, remedial action.

We are already delivering healthier environments and outcomes for tenants. Projects using AAL are in progress across Scotland and these are helping to eliminate the blight of mould to deliver healthier homes.

In mid-July for example Stephanie Elliot, SFHA (Scottish Federation of Housing Associations) tech project lead, and Cheryl Stevenson, care technologist lead with Scottish Care facilitated an engagement session with tenants residing in Hanover Housing Association’s Granary Street complex, in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

The aim of the session was to promote collaboration between Smart Rural in providing Huntly with 5G Rural Connectivity incorporating LoraWan technologies and the Archangel AAL platform. Properties use multi-sensors installed by SmartRural to monitor both building performance in relation to damp and mould as well as supporting the independence, health and wellbeing of the tenants.

There is a better way to end mould and damp!