Five-year peak of mould and dampness discovered in English residences, according to a recent survey.

Five-year peak of mould and dampness discovered in English residences, according to a recent survey.

The English Housing Survey 2023 has revealed a significant increase in dangerous levels of damp and mould in English homes, with around a quarter of all households reporting problems[1]. This situation is particularly concerning as these conditions pose serious health risks, especially to older people and children, contributing to respiratory issues such as asthma[1].

Contributing factors include inefficient heating, lack of insulation, poor ventilation, and damaged building fabric, which make homes colder and more prone to dampness and mould[1][3]. The prevalence of damp and mould is notably linked to the inability to maintain suitable indoor temperatures and adequate airflow, especially in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, where humidity is naturally higher[2].

In response to this crisis, the government has introduced Awaab’s Law, which mandates landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould hazards within 24 hours for emergencies and to resolve issues within 7 days[3][5]. This comes after tragic cases revealed systemic failures in landlord responses and has guided the proposal of new Decent Homes Standard criteria to legally require homes to be free from damp and mould likely to harm health[3].

However, enforcement remains uneven. Recent regulatory reports indicate that around 50% of homes managed by some landlords still do not meet the Decent Homes Standard[4]. Residents’ panels largely support the need for swift action under Awaab’s Law, though some express concerns that timelines might be too short for practical repairs[5].

The Government has announced that from October 2025, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants as part of the Government's Warm Homes Plan[6].

The challenge of upgrading England’s housing stock is urgent and unavoidable, as 80% of the buildings we will use in 2050 already stand today[7]. The survey also reported progress in home energy efficiency, although many homes still fall behind. The proportion of homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher has risen to 52%[8]. However, many homes remain below acceptable energy efficiency levels, particularly in the private rented sector.

Experts warn that poor indoor air quality, combined with rising energy costs, is leaving thousands at risk of long-term health complications. It is crucial to equip homes with proper ventilation, ensuring people are at the heart of building policy[9]. Alex O'Dell, Vice President at VELUX, emphasized the importance of safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes with adequate ventilation. Alex has over 20 years of experience in ventilation, home appliances, and technology sectors, and a PhD in Agronomy[9].

Progress has been made in improving home energy efficiency, with 89% of homes now fully double-glazed and 40% of homes having over 200mm of loft insulation[8]. However, the fight against damp and mould, and the pursuit of energy-efficient homes, is far from over.

References: 1. English Housing Survey 2023 2. Damp and Mould in Homes 3. Awaab’s Law 4. Decent Homes Standard 5. Residents’ Panels 6. Warm Homes Plan 7. Upgrading England’s Housing Stock 8. Energy Performance Certificate 9. VELUX

1. The English Housing Survey 2023 highlights a rise in unsafe levels of damp and mould in English homes, with around a quarter of households experiencing issues.
2. These conditions pose severe health risks, particularly to older individuals and children, contributing to respiratory problems like asthma.
3. Contributing factors include inadequate heating, insulation, ventilation, and damaged building fabric, which make homes colder and more susceptible to dampness and mould.
4. The survey indicates that high humidity rooms, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, are more prone to these issues due to insufficient temperatures and airflow.
5. In light of this crisis, the government has implemented Awaab’s Law, requiring landlords to address reports of damp and mould hazards within 24 hours for emergencies and resolve them within 7 days.
6. This law follows several tragic cases where landlords have failed to respond adequately, and it has influenced the proposed new Decent Homes Standard criteria to legally require homes to be free from damp and mould that could harm health.
7. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with around 50% of homes managed by some landlords not meeting the Decent Homes Standard.
8. Residents’ panels support the need for swift action under Awaab’s Law but express concerns that repair timelines might be too short.
9. The Government plans to require social landlords to address damp and mould hazards that pose a significant risk to tenants as part of the Government's Warm Homes Plan from October 2025.
10. Upgrading England’s housing stock is an urgent and necessary task, as 80% of the buildings used in 2050 already exist today.
11. The survey reports some progress in home energy efficiency, but many homes still lag behind, particularly in the private rented sector.
12. Experts stress the combined impact of poor indoor air quality and rising energy costs is leaving thousands at risk of long-term health complications.
13. To ensure people's well-being, homes should be equipped with proper ventilation, with residents at the forefront of building policy.
14. Alex O'Dell, Vice President at VELUX, underscores the importance of safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes with adequate ventilation, bringing over 20 years of experience in ventilation, home appliances, and technology sectors, and a PhD in Agronomy.
15. Progress has been made in home energy efficiency, with 89% of homes now fully double-glazed and 40% of homes featuring over 200mm of loft insulation.
16. However, the battle against damp and mould, and the quest for energy-efficient homes, is far from over.
17. In addition to health concerns, issues like harmful everyday chemicals (skincare, therapies, and treatments), unbalanced nutrition, and weight management affect overall health and wellness.
18. The need for action extends to various aspects of lifestyle, including workplace wellness, fitness and exercise, climate change, mental health, and even fashion, food, tech investment, relationships, pet care, travel, sports, and weather.

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