The housing minister Christopher Pincher has sent a letter to all local authorities in England to summarise ventilation guidance and encourage behaviours by landlords and residents to help reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in residential settings. See the letter below. 

The move follows the introduction of Boris Johnson‘s “Plan B” measures, introduced in England last week in the hope of limiting the spread of the omicron variant of Covid-19 this winter.

Dear Landlord

The COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021 was published on 14 September. This plan sets out the Government’s aims to sustain the progress made in tackling the virus and prepare the country for future challenges, while ensuring the NHS does not come under substantial pressure during this period.

Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) containing the virus that causes COVID-19. 

In poorly ventilated rooms the amount of virus in the air can build up, increasing the risk of spreading
COVID-19.

Good ventilation will not only help reduce transmission of the virus but will also help reduce condensation, dampness, mould and fungal growth and dust mites.

In addition to cascading this letter and attached materials to social landlords, given that local authorities are the regulator of standards in the private rented sector, we also ask that you further cascade the message to private landlords. We recommend that this is done, for example, through landlord forums and to landlords of licensed properties.

Key messages for Landlords

If you have responsibility as a landlord, whether in the Social Rented Sector or Private Rental Sector, we ask that you help us in our efforts to encourage behaviours to help combat the virus and cascade the message of the importance of good ventilation to your residents. Included in this letter is a summary of the key messages for residents, from the guidance, and a toolkit of additional materials to cascade through relevant channels.

To support the health of your residents, there are several things you, as a landlord, should do to enable ventilation in and around your residents’ homes:

• Ensure that all habitable rooms have functioning openable windows (including providing replacement keys where these have been misplaced/lost) – ideally with opening areas of at least 1/20th of the floor area;

• Ensure that all bathrooms/kitchens have either functioning openable windows and/or (preferably both) appropriate functioning extract ventilation;

• Consider installing positive pressure or constant run ventilation systems to ensure there is adequate background ventilation and to reduce the likelihood of condensation, and ensure that such systems are operating effectively, with filters etc replaced at appropriate intervals;

• Ensure that tenants have clear instructions and understand how to operate ventilation and heating systems, and are advised on the best ways to achieve a healthy and economic balance of heating, ventilation and moisture production within the home;

• Ensure that problems with damp are fully investigated and addressed promptly.

We also request that you prioritise as far as possible any planned or known works that might improve ventilation, such as repairing broken safety catches on windows for those concerned about security or a fall hazard.

Opening windows for an extended period of time may present certain issues for residents – including health issues. We would ask that those cascading this advice exercise your professional judgement in caveats in relation to this guidance, based on your specific residents/housing.

This guidance does not cover single person households, though we would advise that single households still follow guidance if they have visitors in their home.

We are aware that some residents will be reticent to ventilate their homes in the winter temperatures, especially in the current climate of rising fuel costs. Therefore, we would recommend sharing the below options for support (this is also included in the summary of key messages for residents).

There is advice available about how to keep warm and well. If your residents are having difficulty heating their homes, they may be able to claim financial and practical help. Residents should visit the Simple Energy Advice website for information about the help that is available or call their helpline on 0800 444 202. Ofgem has further advice on what to do if they are struggling to pay their energy bills.

Depending on their circumstances and other criteria, they may also be eligible for support with their energy bills:

• The Warm Home Discount supports low income and vulnerable households. Please see the Warm Home Discount webpages for further information on eligibility and how to apply for the scheme.

• The Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payment also help vulnerable households with their winter energy costs. Please check the Cold Weather Payment and the Winter Fuel Payment webpages for more information.

If they are in in financial distress during this time, they should talk to their energy supplier, who will be able to discuss personal circumstances and consider options to help, including reassessing, reducing or pausing payments.

Thank you for your support in spreading awareness on the importance of ventilation to your
residents.

Christopher Pincher MP