Summary: Government data reveals that damp and mould issues persist across private rented and social housing sectors, with varying prevalence by region. New regulations require all private and social landlords to meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2035, alongside stricter penalties for severe damp and mould.
Damp and mould remain widespread across housing tenures
The government’s latest local authority housing stock condition modelling report 2024 highlights ongoing issues with damp and mould in both the private rented sector (PRS) and social housing. These problems are accompanied by a significant number of homes failing to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
All private and social landlords are expected to ensure their properties comply with the Decent Homes Standard by 2035, a key government target aimed at improving housing quality.
Damp and mould prevalence in the private rented sector
In 2024, 10% of private rented homes reported damp problems, compared with 7% in social housing and 4% in owner-occupied properties. Regional variations were evident, with higher damp rates in the private rented sector found in Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, and parts of the South East and North West.
Social housing showed the highest damp levels in London boroughs, while the North East and East of England had the lowest.
The report distinguishes between “externally driven damp” (penetrating or rising damp) and “internally driven damp” (serious condensation), both often caused by property defects. In 2024, 2% of dwellings had only externally driven damp, 2% only internally driven damp, and 1% experienced both. Serious condensation (3%) was more common than penetrating (2%) or rising damp (1%).
Externally driven damp was more prevalent in the East Midlands (4%), while London had higher rates of internally driven damp (3%) compared to externally driven (1%). Homes in wetter regions of England were slightly more prone to damp than those in drier areas.
Non-compliance with the Decent Homes Standard
The highest rates of homes failing the Decent Homes Standard were recorded in local authorities across the South West, coastal South East, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. London had comparatively fewer homes failing on multiple criteria.
Category 1 hazards were less common in London and nearby Midlands areas but more frequent in Yorkshire and the Humber, particularly in the private rented sector where fall-related hazards were notable.
Overall, 15% of dwellings were classed as non-decent in 2024, with 9% affected by Category 1 hazards—the leading cause of failure to meet the standard.
In response, the government has introduced changes to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), enabling councils to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £7,000 for severe damp and mould issues.
Practical support for landlords managing damp and mould risks
Addressing damp and mould is crucial for landlords aiming to meet upcoming regulatory standards and ensure tenant safety. Maintaining thorough records of inspections, repairs and communications related to property condition can support compliance efforts and help demonstrate due diligence.
Keeping your rental properties compliant with TLA support
As landlords prepare to meet the Decent Homes Standard and manage damp and mould risks, TLA membership offers access to practical compliance resources and guidance tailored to these challenges. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, currently available in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords organise property details, manage key documents and record maintenance activities efficiently.
By using TLA’s resources and the ORBIT™ platform, landlords can better track repairs and inspections related to damp and mould, helping to maintain safer, compliant homes. Members can also stay informed about regulatory updates and access document templates relevant to housing health and safety. Explore TLA membership to access these tools and support for managing your rental portfolio.
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