Mouldy Nation Report 2025: Damp and Mould Plague UK Homes

Between 2019/20 and 2023/24, the Housing Ombudsman received over 16,000 complaints about damp and mould, with housing association properties accounting for two-thirds (10,960 complaints). Local authority-run homes received 5,138 complaints, highlighting a significant issue across both sectors.

London Boroughs Dominate Complaints

Haringey tops the list of local authorities with the most complaints, reporting 31 complaints per 10,000 homes. Other high-ranking boroughs include Hammersmith and Fulham, Lambeth, and Lewisham, with eight of the top 10 areas located in London.

Certain areas, like West Northamptonshire, saw dramatic year-on-year increases, with complaints rising 367% between 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Persistent Damp and Mould Issues

Data from the English Housing Survey reveals a mixed picture. While damp and mould in local authority housing has decreased by 33% over the past decade, housing association homes have seen a 19% rise since 2012. Across all housing types, the prevalence of damp and mould has fallen by 17% in the last 10 years.

The Human Impact

A consumer survey found that 60% of UK residents have experienced mould at some point, and for 31%, it’s an ongoing issue. Health concerns were reported by 22% of those affected, while over a third (37%) said mould prompted them to leave their home.

Energy costs are exacerbating the problem, with 68% of respondents cutting back on heating due to rising bills. Of those affected by mould, 56% believe reduced heating has worsened the issue, making it harder to maintain adequate warmth in homes.

Addressing the Problem

Ben Galizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of mould:

“Living in a mouldy home is both unpleasant and hazardous to health. With poor insulation and rising energy costs, it’s harder than ever to tackle. Both landlords and tenants need to take proactive steps to manage and prevent mould.”

Common responses to mould include using cleaning products (54%), improving ventilation (43%), and employing dehumidifiers (34%). However, a third (34%) of respondents reported no action was taken to address their complaints.

Methodology

The report combines Housing Ombudsman data, findings from the English Housing Survey, and a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted in November 2024.

For more details, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/registered-provider-social-housing-stock-and-rents-in-england-2023-to-2024
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/dwelling-condition-and-safety