Trade body launches workshop to ensure housing associations meet new legal requirements

A national trade body has launched a training programme to meet the growing demand from housing associations across the UK looking to adhere to new legal changes.

Following the introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the Property Care Association has received a significant increase in requests from housing associations and local authorities seeking help regarding the problems of condensation and mould within properties.

In response, the PCA has developed a one-day workshop, for those working with tenants within local authority and social housing environments.

‘Understanding Dampness and Condensation’ addresses the causes and associated problems with the subject area and provides housing officers with the knowledge and confidence to evaluate such issues – and consequently direct any necessary rectification works.

It centres around three core topics; internal sources of moisture, condensation and humidity control and external sources of moisture, and explores the relationships between thermal performance, moisture generation and heating and ventilation.

Jade Stocker, PCA training manager, said: “Since the introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the spotlight has been firmly cast on dampness in tenanted buildings.

“In line with this, we’ve had a growing number of enquiries from housing associations and local authorities looking to establish how they address these requirements.

“As a result, we have brought together this one-day workshop, so those in the sector can gain an understanding of moisture related defects within buildings and have the confidence to be operating in accordance with the requirements of the new Act.

“The programme has been developed in a way that ensures candidates complete the course with the ability to apply and relate the knowledge gained to both tenants and contractors.

“The end result includes improved levels of tenant satisfaction, lower response times and a significant reduction in costs, due to the trainee gaining the knowledge to ensure repairs are specified that are fit for purpose and accurately targeted.”

The workshop is provided under the PCA’s bespoke programme option, which means it can be delivered at a location of the client’s choose, providing a cost-effect and convenient option.