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In January 2023, we published an article examining the action taken by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to remind social housing providers of their legal obligations to prevent damp and mould in rented homes. This followed the tragic death of two-year old Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition made worse by prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his family’s social housing property in Rochdale.
Following Awaab’s death, a Senior Coroner stated:
“The tragic death of Awaab will and should be a defining moment for the housing sector in terms of increasing knowledge, increasing awareness and a deepening of understanding surrounding the issue of damp and mould.”
Despite these warnings, damp and mould in social and private rented housing remain widespread in the UK. Over the past year, many tenants have continued to suffer serious and life-threatening health problems linked to poor housing conditions.
In response, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has issued a further warning to the government, highlighting the ongoing public health risks of mould exposure. This article explores the continuing health impacts of damp and mould in Britain’s rental homes, why conditions show little improvement in 2024, and the RCP’s call for urgent reform.
Tenants Continue to Suffer the Health Impacts of Damp and Mould
Recent research shows that around 88,000 social housing households currently suffer from serious damp and mould problems. These conditions are linked to a range of health issues, including asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and, in severe cases, premature death.
An investigation by The Observer has also revealed that private landlords and housing associations are often not held accountable for failing to resolve mould and damp issues. Of the 2,907 rulings made by the Housing Ombudsman over the past three years, the average financial penalty issued to housing associations was just £445.
Suzanne Muna, a representative of the Social Housing Action Campaign, explained:
“It is obvious that such weak sanctions make little impact, and they certainly don’t drive strategic change.”
These minimal penalties fail to incentivise landlords to address serious property defects, leaving tenants exposed to ongoing health risks.
Real-Life Cases Highlight the Dangers of Mouldy Homes
Over the last year, several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the devastating effects of living with damp and black mould. One such case involved Morgan Sinnott, who lives with a rare genetic condition known as Wolfram Syndrome, making her particularly vulnerable to respiratory illness.
Ms Sinnott was hospitalised in a life-threatening condition after contracting pneumonia for the third time, which was linked to mould exposure in her home. Her experience reflects the fear, frustration, and powerlessness felt by many tenants living in social housing or private rented properties where landlords fail to take action.
These cases underline the serious health consequences of damp and mould, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
RCP Calls on Government to Take Urgent Action on Damp and Mould
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has recently urged Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to accelerate a promised crackdown on landlords, who fail to remedy mould and damp in rented homes.
The RCP waned that without stronger laws and enforcement, more people will suffer severe illness or die as a result of inhaling fungal toxins released by mould. While the government has previously promised to introduce firm deadlines for landlords to carry out repairs, progress has been slow.
Why Damp and Mould Problems Are Getting Worse
According to Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, Special Adviser on Air Quality to the RCP, urgent reform is needed due to several contributing factors:
- Poor housing quality across the UK
- Rising energy costs forcing tenants to keep windows closed
- Increased indoor moisture and condensation
- Mould becoming more resistant to treatment
Professor Holgate criticised the slow pace of reform, stating that progress has been delayed by:
“Obfuscation, debate and committees.”
He has called for the UK to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to damp and mould, similar to policies already in place in Germany.
“We know housing in this country is in a dreadful state. The science of the risks of mould exposure hasn’t been accepted strongly enough by regulators. This passive approach is failing society.”
Landlord Responsibilities and the Need for Stronger Enforcement
Landlords have a legal duty to provide safe, habitable homes. This includes taking prompt action to investigate and repair damp and mould. However, without meaningful penalties and strict enforcement, many tenants remain at risk.
The RCP’s warning serves as a stark reminder that damp and mould are not merely housing issues, but a growing public health crisis. Without urgent legislative reform and robust enforcement, the scale of the problem is unlikely to improve in 2024 and beyond.
What Are My Rights If I Have Mould in My Rented Property
If you discover damp and mould in your rented property, you have clear legal rights. While some minor steps can help reduce moisture, landlords are responsible for fixing the underlying causes of mould and damp.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Damp and Mould
In some cases, simple remedial action may help slow the spread of mould. This can include:
- Opening windows to improve ventilation
- Covering pans while cooking
- Keeping internal doors open where possible
- Closing the bathroom door when showering
- Wiping condensation down from windows each morning
You may also find the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings online tool helpful for additional guidance on managing moisture levels.
However, these steps alone are often not enough to resolve serious damp or mould problems. If mould persists, you must inform your landlord as soon as possible.
Your Landlord's Legal Responsibilities
Once notified, your landlord must inspect the property and identify the cause of the damp and mould. If the issue is serious, they are required to act promptly.
Depending on the cause, your landlord may need to carry out repairs such as:
- Structural repairs or damp proofing
- Fixing leaking pipes or faulty plumbing
- Improving ventilation systems
- Repairing boilers or heating systems
- Addressing drainage problems
- Replacing rotten windows or damaged roof tiles
- Removing damp wallpaper or repairing internal surfaces
Failing to carry out these repairs may place your landlord in breach of their legal duties.
What to Do If Your Landlord Does Not Act
If your landlord fails to take appropriate action, you should contact your local authority’s Environmental Health department. They have the power to inspect your home and order your landlord to carry out repairs.
Tenants in social housing may also be entitled to an independent inspection by a specialist surveyor. You should receive a copy of any inspection report.
If the problem still remains unresolved, it is important to speak to an experienced Housing Disrepair Solicitor. Legal action can help force repairs and allow you to claim compensation for the period you have lived in unsafe conditions.
Wrapping Up
Despite increased awareness, damp and mould in social housing remain a serious and ongoing issue in the UK. Without stronger enforcement, many tenants continue to live in unhealthy conditions.
If your home is affected by damp and mould, you should not ignore it. Speaking to a Housing Disrepair Solicitor can help protect your health and ensure your landlord meets their obligations. You do not have to deal with damp and mould problems alone.
How NJS Law Can Help With Damp and Mould Repairs
NJS Law is one of the few housing disrepair solicitors in England and Wales with a dedicated team focused on resolving damp and mould claims.
We can help you by:
- Instructing a fully qualified surveyor to assess the disrepair and provide expert evidence
- Taking legal action to ensure your council or housing association completes all necessary repairs
- Claiming compensation for the time your property has been in disrepair
At NJS Law, we are housing disrepair claim experts, acting for tenants nationwide on a No Win No Fee basis. Our aim is to secure repairs quickly wile recovering the compensation you deserve.
With decades of combined experience, our team is supportive, understanding, and committed to guiding you through every step of your claim.
Call or email NJS Law today to discuss your damp and mould housing disrepair claim.
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