Newport Damp and Mould: Dockside Terraces, Post-War Estates and Improvement Notices

Newport's industrial dockside heritage left it with two kinds of rented housing: Victorian terraces near the historic docks, and a substantial amount of post-war estate housing. At 31.1%, the share of terraced homes is above the Welsh figure of 26.6%, and the council has powers to issue improvement notices where damp and mould hazards are not dealt with.

Newport in numbers (compared with Wales)

• Private rented households: 16.7% (Wales 17.0%); social rented: 19.5% (Wales 16.5%)
• Terraced homes: 31.1% (Wales 26.6%); flats: 15.9% (Wales 11.7%)
• Homes with no central heating: 0.8% (Wales 1.2%)
• Overcrowded households: 3.4% (Wales 2.2%)
• River or sea flood risk: 2.2% (Wales 2.1%); surface-water risk: 1.9% (Wales 3.9%)
• Rainfall: about 1,111 mm a year at Usk, roughly nine miles away

What do the flood figures say?

River and sea flood risk is level with the Welsh figure, while surface-water risk is about half of it. For a property near the water, check lower floors and sub-floors and any flood history; for the rest of the city, look first at the fabric and ventilation. Local risk depends on the address, and Natural Resources Wales flood maps show risk for a single property.

Two housing types, two sets of causes

• Victorian dockside terraces: solid walls, old gutters and chimneys, and condensation on cold surfaces
• Post-war estates: construction varies, so check wall type, insulation, roof design and ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
• Both: with about 1,111 mm of rain a year at Usk, gutters and roofs need regular attention

Improvement notices

Newport City Council's environmental health team can issue an improvement notice where a damp and mould hazard is not addressed. A notice sets out the work and a deadline, and it is far cheaper to carry out repairs promptly, with a dated record, than to respond to a notice.

What landlords must do in Wales

In Wales, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 makes fitness for human habitation, including freedom from damp and mould, an implied term of every occupation contract. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 is England-only.

Awaab's Law applies in England only. For the position across the UK, see our guide to Awaab's Law and the private rented sector.

To find a specialist, see our Newport damp and mould page, and the council's housing conditions and defects page.