Damp and Mould - From Personal Eyesore to National Hazard

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We now know that damp and mould are much more than just a personal eyesore - they’re a health hazard that can cause serious health issues and even death, which now have national attention from the Government, media and Housing sector.

For too long, these issues have been treated as routine maintenance issues or, even worse, a lifestyle issue and across the UK, thousands of tenants are living in damp, mouldy homes that pose risks to their health and wellbeing and it's affecting families in both social and private housing.

What causes damp and mould?

Damp and mould occur when moisture builds up in a home and isn't properly ventilated, removed or treated.

Common causes include:

• Leaking roofs or pipes
• Faulty windows or poor insulation
• Inadequate heating or ventilation
• Condensation from daily living, especially in overcrowded homes

While 'tenant lifestyle' can contribute, the fact is that repair issues and inadequate maintenance are often the underlying cause, which is the landlord’s responsibility to fix.

The human impact

Living with damp and mould isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous - health experts have linked exposure to mould spores with a range of issues, including:

• Asthma and breathing difficulties
• Skin and eye irritation
• Worsening of existing respiratory conditions
• Mental health stress and anxiety

In extreme cases, such as the death of toddler Awaab Ishak, the consequences have been fatal. His case prompted a national outcry and led to proposed legal reforms, including 'Awaab’s Law', to force landlords to act faster on health hazards.

The law is catching up

The Housing Ombudsman has repeatedly called on landlords to treat damp and mould as a health issue, not just a repair issue - in a 2023 report, the Ombudsman warned that poor housing conditions could even lead to social unrest if left unchecked.

Under existing laws, including the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must ensure homes are free from serious hazards and that includes damp and mould.

From 27th October 2025, all social housing landlords in England will be legally required to comply with 'Awaab's Law', a new regulation designed to protect tenants from health hazards such as damp and mould.

Tenants deserve safe, dry homes and landlords need to act early

If you’re a tenant living with damp and mould, know that you have rights.

If you’re a landlord of a home with damp and mould, know that you need to keep residents safe.

How can DISREPAIR AWARE help?

Many rented homes are not inspected regularly or maintained properly - we want to help improve housing conditions for everyone.

We help tenants and leaseholders understand their rights and get support and help registered providers, private landlords and estate agents to understand their obligations and get compliant.