Bridgend County Borough Council is seeking reassurances from local registered social landlords that action is being taken in line with national requirements to ensure that their accommodation is safe.
The move follows the tragic death of two-year-old Rochdale resident Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould.
Cllr Rhys Goode, Cabinet Member for Future Generations, said: “It is reassuring to know that a wide range of policies, processes and laws are already in place which set out the standards someone should expect to find within a rented home.
“When the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 took effect, it changed the way in which landlords rent their properties and increased tenant rights. It also introduced a requirement to ensure that homes are fit for human habitation.
“To support this, Rent Smart Wales provides landlords with free advice on their obligations to comply with health and safety requirements within the private sector.
“The Welsh Quality Housing Standards, which are in place for all new social housing developments, also help to ensure that properties are in a good state of repair, are safe and secure, and are adequately heated.
“While the standards are currently being updated to factor in decarbonisation and energy saving elements for tenants, any development which is funded through a social housing grant must first demonstrate that it is in full compliance.
“Furthermore, the council’s housing service is working closely with Welsh Government and local registered social landlords to deliver new housing through a three year programme.
“Although the outcomes at this stage are still estimates, the programme is scheduled to deliver approximately 536 homes over a three year period, and has a grant funding level estimated to be in the region of £41m.
“The Shared Regulatory Service dealt with 46 complaints from the tenants of social landlords in 2022, and the Minister for Climate Change has written to all social landlords in Wales outlining what action is required to ensure that measures are in place for dealing with reports of damp and mould.
“The council is fully supportive of these steps, and will continue to seek reassurances from our housing partners.”