An initial review of Housing Ombudsman case data has identified that damp and mould feature significantly in their work. During the last two years they have considered 112 cases and recognised that damp and mould can have a particularly significant impact on vulnerable residents and those with respiratory problems.
The Housing Ombudsman are calling for evidence submissions, from both member landlords and their residents, to ensure they can 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.
The call for evidence is asking five questions, along with collecting some basic geographic and demographic information.
The five questions are:
What do you consider to be the main cause(s) of damp and mould?
Are the root causes of damp and mould difficult to identify? And if so, why?
Are the root causes of damp and mould difficult to address? And if so, why?
While damp and mould issues are being looked into, what support is offered to residents to ensure they are able to live in a hygienic environment?
Has a particular damp and mould situation led to significant changes in the way in which a landlord operates? If so, please provide details.
The Housing Ombudsman will take the findings to their Resident Panel for their views and will conduct a round table discussion with a selection of landlords with a view to publishing their report in the autumn.
If you would like to contribute full details are set out on the Housing Ombudsman website which includes a link to submit evidence. The closing date is Friday 4 June 2021.
Please note: It is important to stress that this investigation is looking at the broad issues of damp and mould across the sector; it is not looking at individual landlords and will not respond to individual complaints.
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