Mansfield: Council inspecting homes for mould after tenant's death

Mansfield District Council are inspecting 64 properties on request of a coroner

Dozens of residents have been contacted after a coroner said mould could have worsened the condition of a tenant who later died.

Jane Bennett, who lived in a Mansfield District Council property, died on 8 June aged 52.

The coroner, Neena Sharma, found that Mrs Bennett's death was due to worsening of a lung disease.

A report, released in November, said mould could have contributed to the development of her illness.

The investigation into Mrs Bennett's death began on 23 August, with a post-mortem examination naming acute infective exacerbation of lung disease as the cause of death.

A prevention of future deaths report has been issued to the council by Miss Sharma, a coroner for Nottingham city and Nottinghamshire.

She said Mrs Bennett lived in the council property from October 2022 until her final hospital admission in May.

Miss Sharma's report expressed concerns that mould in Mrs Bennett's property and other properties owned and maintained by the district council may pose a risk and that future deaths could occur.

She requested inspections of these properties so action can be taken.

Jane Bennett "identified severe mould" in her council property, said the coroner

Jill Finnesey, the council's head of housing, confirmed on Monday that 64 neighbouring residents had been written to regarding home inspections, and that 41 had so far been carried out.

Ms Finnesey said she was "deeply saddened" by Mrs Bennett's death and stressed the council was "diligent" in carrying out the appropriate works to her property.

The council said it was made aware of "a small amount of mould" that was "isolated" to bedroom drawers and wardrobe in Mrs Bennett's property, which was reported and investigated.

Ms Finnesey said: "A zero-tolerance approach was taken to mould and proactive mould treatment was undertaken on 11 January following an inspection on 5 January as a preventative measure to minimise any risk to Mrs Bennett's health and wellbeing.

"We have also evidenced that the property had 17 repairs and maintenance jobs carried out during the tenancy and that Mrs Bennett was provided with advice and guidance throughout her tenancy to support her to manage moisture levels.

"We have provided evidence to support our view that the living conditions in her home were to a good standard."

Legal reforms have been proposed by the government after two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from mould exposure at his Rochdale home in 2020.

Known as Awaab's Law, the proposed changes would force landlords in England to investigate issues within two weeks, and begin repairs within a further seven days.