Addressing the Risks of Damp and Mould

It is essential for housing associations and landlords to assess their properties and ensure they are free of health risk. As we now approach the time of year where cold and wet conditions are more common, damp and mould is more prevalent in buildings and alleviating this health risk is of high importance for the UK Government. 

Current Context in the UK

In September 2023, the UK Government released its latest guidance on addressing damp and mould, which estimated that “the number of homes in England with damp and mould range from 4% to 27% of homes, or 962,000 to 6.5 million households. The reported figure varies due to differences in how damp and mould is measured and how it is reported.”

The Regulator of Social Housing has stated in a recent report “Maintaining homes that are safe and in good condition is a core function of all social landlords. Landlords should consider the issues raised in this report as part of effective management of damp and mould and overall stock condition which ensures homes are well maintained.”

In July, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 received Royal Assent. The Act introduced Awaab’s Law, which provides strict time limits for social landlords to address hazards, such as damp and mould. In November, the Regulator of Social Housing launched a consultation on updated statutory guidance which sets out how it proposes to use these powers.

Detecting Damp and Mould

calfordseaden is working closely with Registered Providers to resolve housing quality issues surrounding damp and mould in their buildings which has been highlighted as a key focus of the Government.

As specialist Chartered Building Surveyors, calfordseaden is able to carry out a comprehensive survey to detect the extent to which premises may be subject to damp and mould. Should it be found, we can advise on the cause, extent, level of risk, and costs of any necessary remedial work.

Find out how we can advise and support should any corrective works be required and provide a single solution to help guide you through each stage.