Environment: Calderdale Council's mouldy and damp rented homes pledge over more than 2,000 rented homes that do not meet proper standards

It says it will work with landlords to make sure rented houses across the borough meet required standards.

The council estimates around 2,300 homes could need essential work.

It will be investigating homes that are not energy efficient enough and landlords who do not make necessary improvements could be fined up to £5,000.

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, said the council is aware landlords may be struggling because of the rising cost of living.

“It’s estimated that over 2,000 privately rented properties in Calderdale don’t meet national energy efficiency standards,” he said,

"We want to do all we can to change this and support residents facing increased energy bills from trying to heat inefficient homes.

“Improving energy efficiency not only brings financial benefits but improvements can also be made to the quality of life of our residents, whose physical and mental health can be severely impacted when living in a cold home.

"Landlords can also benefit from lower ongoing maintenance costs, higher tenant satisfaction and a more desirable property that has an increased market value.

“We do understand that landlords may also be struggling due to higher costs of living and unable to carry out essential repairs needed to tackle poor energy efficiency in the properties they own.

“However, we urge both landlords and residents to get in touch to find out more about the support available to carry out the necessary and important improvements.”

Around 16,000 households in Calderdale are privately rented and should meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations, which state that privately rented properties should have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above.

Poor energy efficiency in a home can lead to lower indoor temperatures in the winter months, and in some cases mould or mildew.

Exposure to these conditions has been associated with a number of health conditions, also exacerbating existing problems and impacting on mental health.

The council has recruited a dedicated officer who will work with landlords.

Residents living in rented properties which they believe might not meet a minimum EPC rating of E or above can email the council at [email protected] or via www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/housing/private-landlords-and-tenants/mees-regs .