Rising mould and damp levels in homes across England, as per a recent survey, have reached a five-year peak.

Rising mould and damp levels in homes across England, as per a recent survey, have reached a five-year peak.

The UK government is taking decisive steps to tackle the increasing prevalence of damp and mould in homes, particularly in the social and private rented sectors. This response comes in light of the English Housing Survey's findings that damp problems are more common in these sectors, affecting approximately 9% and 4% of properties respectively.

Key Policy Interventions

From October 2025, social landlords will be legally obligated to address reported damp and mould issues, as well as emergency repairs, within specified timeframes. Known as Awaab’s Law, this legislative change aims to establish a 'zero tolerance' approach to damp and mould. The law will initially focus on these issues before expanding to other housing hazards from 2026 onward.

The Housing Ombudsman has also issued guidelines outlining good practice for landlords in responding to damp and mould complaints, including timely repair and maintenance. These guidelines are part of an effort to improve service standards for residents.

Health Risks and Vulnerable Groups

Damp and mould affect approximately 1.3 million (5%) of dwellings in England, posing significant health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as older residents and low-income households. The prevalence of these problems is linked to income and tenure.

Focus on Energy Efficiency

In addition to addressing damp and mould, the government is also focusing on improving energy efficiency in homes. Experts have warned that poor indoor air quality, combined with rising energy costs, is leaving thousands at risk of long-term health complications.

Alex O'Dell, Vice President at VELUX, emphasized the importance of ensuring homes have proper ventilation, daylight, and indoor comfort. O'Dell, who holds a PhD in Agronomy (Crop Science) and has over 20 years of experience in ventilation, home appliances, and technology sectors, underscored the need for the government to prioritize renovations to enhance the energy efficiency and indoor climate of all homes.

The English Housing Survey reported a 5% increase in homes with damp problems in 2023, which is the highest rate in the past five years. Despite progress in home energy efficiency, many homes still fall behind in providing adequate living conditions. Many homes in the private rented sector remain below acceptable energy efficiency levels and are more prone to damp conditions.

The worsening damp and mould crisis underscores the urgent need for investment in housing renovations. The share of properties in the least energy-efficient bands E to G has fallen from 26% to just 9%, a significant decrease. However, thousands of tenants and homeowners are still exposed to conditions that can cause respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and mental health issues due to the rising damp and mould levels.

In conclusion, the UK government is implementing statutory repair time limits under Awaab’s Law starting October 2025, with a strong emphasis on timely remediation by social landlords. There is also ongoing guidance and monitoring to improve landlord responses, particularly in social and private rented housing where damp and mould are most common. These measures reflect both the scale of the problem reported in the English Housing Survey and the urgent need to protect residents' health.

1. The UK government is taking significant steps to combat the growing prevalence of damp and mould in homes, particularly in social and private rented sectors.
2. Awaab’s Law, a legal obligation for social landlords to address reported damp and mould issues within specified timeframes, will be enforced from October 2025.
3. The Housing Ombudsman has issued guidelines for landlords, highlighting good practices for responding to damp and mould complaints.
4. These guidelines aim to improve service standards and ensure timely repair and maintenance in residential properties.
5. Damp and mould affect around 1.3 million dwellings in England, with significant health risks, particularly for older residents and low-income households.
6. The government is focusing on improving energy efficiency in homes to combat the risks posed by poor indoor air quality and rising energy costs.
7. Proper ventilation, daylight, and indoor comfort are crucial elements that experts like Alex O'Dell, Vice President at VELUX, advocate for in homes.
8. O'Dell, an expert in ventilation, home appliances, and technology sectors, emphasizes the need for the government to prioritize renovations for energy efficiency and indoor climate improvement.
9. The English Housing Survey reported a 5% increase in homes with damp problems in 2023, the highest rate in the past five years.
10. Many homes, especially in the private rented sector, still fall behind in providing adequate living conditions, as they remain below acceptable energy efficiency levels and are more prone to damp conditions.
11. The worsening damp and mould crisis highlights the urgent need for investment in housing renovations.
12. Despite progress in home energy efficiency, thousands of tenants and homeowners are still susceptible to health problems such as respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and mental health issues due to the rising damp and mould levels.
13. Actions taken by the UK government reflect the scale of the problem reported in the English Housing Survey and the urgent need to protect residents' health.
14. The share of properties in the least energy-efficient bands E to G has fallen significantly, but thousands of tenants and homeowners are still exposed to conditions that can cause various health issues.
15. The focus on energy efficiency in homes is crucial for the overall health and wellness of residents, considering the links between poor indoor air quality and chronic diseases like asthma and other respiratory conditions.
16. Home renovations and energy-efficient designs are an essential aspect of workplace-wellness, as they contribute to better environments that support the medical conditions and well-being of employees.
17. Improving insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency in homes can lead to significant cost savings in areas like personal-finance, energy, and retail, reducing the overall expenses associated with climate change and manufacturing.
18. In the realm of skin care, proper indoor climate and energy efficiency can help maintain healthy skin by mitigating the negative effects of weather conditions.
19. Adequate insulation and ventilation in homes can also contribute to the effectiveness of certain therapies and treatments for various health conditions, such as wearing certain types of clothing or applying specific creams.
20. Nutrition is another aspect that can benefit from energy-efficient homes, as optimal indoor temperatures allow for the preparation and storage of healthier food options, reducing the risks associated with food-and-drink and contributing to personal-growth.
21. Overall, the government's initiatives on housing renovations and energy efficiency can improve lives, boost business growth, and promote a sustainable lifestyle, making the United Kingdom a leader in energy efficiency, environmental science, and personal finance.

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