Housing Ombudsman: Investigation into damp and mould

FreeBear

Housing Ombudsman Quoute:

Under the new Housing Ombudsman Scheme, we can conduct investigations into potential systemic and thematic issues. In March 2021 we published our systemic framework setting out how we will look beyond individual disputes to identify key issues that impact on residents and landlords’ services. The framework allows us to issue a call for evidence and the Ombudsman has decided to use this for the first time to support a thematic investigation into damp and mould issues. 

An initial review of our case data has identified that damp and mould feature significantly in our work. During the last two years we have considered 112 cases in our formal remit, with a maladministration rate of 55 per cent.  Compensation levels in some cases have been relatively high, with a total of £68,000 ordered in the same period, alongside other remedies, indicating a significant impact on residents in some cases.    

Damp and mould can have a particularly significant impact on vulnerable residents and those with respiratory problems. This investigation follows on from our heating and hot water report and examines another aspect of our casebook that is fundamental to living in a decent home.

We are calling for evidence submissions, from both member landlords and their residents, but also from social housing professionals who feel they can contribute relevant evidence, to ensure that we are able to make far-reaching recommendations that promote greater understanding of the complexity of tackling damp and mould and that share best practice across the sector – helping landlords to develop their policies and procedures with a view to improving the experience of all residents.

For those renting damp and mouldy properties, this "Call fo Evidence" should be taken up. For details on making a submission - https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/about-us/corporate-information/publications/spotlight-on-reports/housing-ombudsman-call-for-evidence-investigation-into-damp-and-mould/

deannagone

Thank for this. 

There is almost a 'required response' to a tenant making claims of damp in a property that it is due to tenant lifestyle.  I had this happen to me.  I pointed out the two external walls in the affected room were at the back of the property, and were a lot colder than any other walls in the property but I was told oops you have a condenser tumble dryer (top of the range) in the kitchen (downstairs - no mould there or in any other room), its tenant lifestyle.  

I put insulating wallpaper on the walls, with insulating glue. Removed the mould.  It never returned and the bedroom affected was liveable in again (not so cold you couldn't sleep).  Instantly.  Even on here I have given this example and been told can't see how insulating wallpaper could do this.  Must be lifestyle.  But as above says, causes of mould and damp can be complex.  Too easy to blame tenant lifestyle.  BTW my lifestyle is the same.  Still no return of the mould.  

I also lived in a private rented property with odd rectangular mould patches, and a known leak in the roof.  LL said tenant lifestyle.  Then roof literally fell in.  There were two layers of damp roofing removed (the first one was at least 20 years old and had just been boarded over the builder said).  But tenant lifestyle was a easy let out clause.

I hope that people with evidence will forward to the link.