The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 due to a severe respiratory condition caused due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, highlights the importance of our approach in responding to reports of damp and mould in our properties.

This heart-breaking case highlights the implications of damp and mould on people's health and why it's so important to keep tackling this issue for the safety of our tenants, especially with the rising cost of living and fuel poverty likely to exacerbate people's worries about heating their homes.

We take our responsibility as a social housing provider very seriously, and providing high-quality homes that our tenants feel safe in is our highest priority. We are keen to identify the causes of damp and mould issues and to work with tenants through a person centred approach and a responsive and proactive service to tackle any damp and mould issues.  

Our established process to tackle reports of damp and mould in our homes includes:

  • Carrying out periodic stock condition surveys of all of our properties
  • Identifying damp and mould issues whenever we are visiting properties
  • Ensuring our environmental sustainability strategy supports delivery of warm, safe homes
  • Following any reports received either internally or from tenants, undertaking a full inspection of the property
  • Issuing any work required and/or providing advice to the tenant
  • Carrying out follow-up inspections every twelve weeks in a one-year period to check that whatever remedy we put in place has worked and the problem has been rectified
  • Consulting and involving  tenants in developing our damp policy
  • Providing clear and accessible guidance to all our customers about what to do if they think they have mould in their home and advice on how to reduce condensation
  • Working with partners to help develop short- and long-term solutions within the context of fuel poverty
  • Supporting tenants with fuel poverty and the cost of living crisis through our Financial Inclusion Team, Community Support Officers and Crisis Support
  • Urging tenants to contact us immediately report any concerns about mould or damp.

As housing professionals, we must work together to keep focused on providing - and maintaining – safe and sound homes.

Jacqui De-Rose