Recurring concern

Inadequate control of damp and mould hazards in residential properties

First to latest report 16 Nov 2022 — 1 Dec 2025

Reports that mention this concern
3
Times this concern has been raised
6
Stated actions linked to this concern
27

What this concern includes

Includes failures or hazards specifically concerning damp or mould in residential properties, including inadequate health-risk information for housing providers, failure to identify or assess affected properties, unresolved or extensive mould, inadequate remediation and controls intended to prevent recurrence or further resident exposure.

What is not included
  • Excludes generic rented-property hazard-management, housing-maintenance or landlord-guidance deficiencies where damp or mould is not the material safety hazard.
  • Excludes respiratory, allergy or other clinical-care failures after damp or mould exposure when the residential damp-and-mould control itself is not deficient.
  • Excludes unrelated residential hazards such as gas, fire, window, electrical, flooding or temperature risks unless damp or mould is the shared unsafe condition.
  • Excludes isolated resident health outcomes or property disrepair without an asserted continuing damp-and-mould hazard or deficient control.
  • Excludes the existing broader concern concerning safety guidance for managing hazards in rented residential properties when the assertion does not specifically identify damp or mould.

Reports and published responses 3 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    ABDULLAH MOHAMED ALI · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Abdullah Mohamed Ali, aged six months, died after being found unresponsive at home on 20 July 2025; the stated cause of death was encephalitis due to Varicella Zoster Virus (chicken pox). The report raised concern about extensive mould and other disrepair in the family’s property, and the potential risk posed by mould in other properties renovated and managed by Grandwell Estates.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Extensive mould in residential property

    Wider context from the report

    “I have seen photographs and police body worn video footage of the mould in the property in which the Ali family live. The mould in the property is extensive, thick and black. On the walls it is around knee height, it extends up the walls in the corners and around the ceiling where the ceiling and walls meet. It covers the curtains and furniture where soft furnishings and furniture is in contact with the walls. I am concerned that mould in the property and mould and/or other disrepair in other properties renovated and managed by Grandwell Estates may pose a risk that future deaths could occur. ”

    Source location

    ABDULLAH MOHAMED ALI · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Mould or other disrepair in renovated and managed properties

    Wider context from the report

    “I have seen photographs and police body worn video footage of the mould in the property in which the Ali family live. The mould in the property is extensive, thick and black. On the walls it is around knee height, it extends up the walls in the corners and around the ceiling where the ceiling and walls meet. It covers the curtains and furniture where soft furnishings and furniture is in contact with the walls. I am concerned that mould in the property and mould and/or other disrepair in other properties renovated and managed by Grandwell Estates may pose a risk that future deaths could occur. ”

    Source location

    ABDULLAH MOHAMED ALI · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Complete the required remedial works at the property.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In response to the matters raised, we confirm that: - The property was inspected by the London Borough of Hackney. - An Improvement Notice was served and the required remedial works were undertaken. - Temporary accommodation was offered to the occupants to allow the works to be completed safely. - The Council has since reinspected the property, with only formal confirmation outstanding at the time of writing.”

    Source location

    Response from Granddwell Estate
    Page 1 · response
    Published 3 December 2025

    Open published response

  2. Nottinghamshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jane BENNETT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jane BENNETT died in hospital on 8 June 2023 after admission with severe respiratory failure and treatment for interstitial pneumonitis. The report states that mould in her council-provided property may have been causal or contributory to her death, and raises concern that mould in other council-owned properties could pose a risk of future deaths.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Mould in residential properties

    Wider context from the report

    “I am concerned that mould in Mrs. Bennett’s property and other properties in that area owned and maintained by Mansfield District Council may pose a risk that future deaths could occur. I ask for the aforesaid properties to be inspected for mould and action be taken to ensure any further exposure to mould by any tenant is minimised. ”

    Source location

    Jane BENNETT · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inspect identified neighbouring council homes for mould and provide tenants with tailored moisture-reduction advice.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In response to the request for the council to inspect properties in that area for mould, the council wrote to tenants accordingly. Appendix 4 details the letter dated 14 December 2023 sent by first class post by the council to council tenants living on Eather Avenue, Slant Lane and certain homes on Park Road advising that the”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Treat mould identified during neighbouring-home inspections within repairs target timescales.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Of the homes inspected, mould growth has been identified in 15 homes and in all cases, mould growth has been minimal. In all cases where mould has been identified however, mould treatment will be completed in agreement with the tenant within the council’s repairs target timescales. Mould treatment works have started on site by a specialist mould treatment company. All 64 tenants have received detailed advice to support them to minimise moisture levels and reduce the risk of mould in the future. A second reminder letter will be sent week beginning 22 January 23 to those tenants that have not yet contacted the council with the aim of completing all remaining inspections by 16 February 23. This programme is dependent upon tenants allowing access.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 3 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Increase inspection-team capacity for investigating reported damp, mould and condensation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Increased the capacity of the inspection team responsible for visiting homes and investigating reports of damp, mould and condensation.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 10 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Increase contractor capacity to support prioritised and timely damp repairs and mould treatments.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Increase the capacity of contractors, both local and framework contractors, to support with damp works and mould treatments to ensure a prioritised and timely response to damp and mould treatment.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 10 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Use trained operatives and specialist contractors to treat reported mould, investigate root causes and arrange follow-on repairs or technical inspections.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Early, proactive action. Inspectors identify the root cause of damp and mould at the earliest opportunity with the support of a range of trained operatives attending to treat any mould with escalation to qualified professionals as required. All operatives have received both Housing Health and Safety Rating (HHSRS) training appropriate to their roles as well as damp and mould training. Training to utilise dampness measurement equipment has also been completed.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 7 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Train relevant colleagues and contractors to identify, report and resolve damp, mould and condensation risks.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Early, proactive action. Inspectors identify the root cause of damp and mould at the earliest opportunity with the support of a range of trained operatives attending to treat any mould with escalation to qualified professionals as required. All operatives have received both Housing Health and Safety Rating (HHSRS) training appropriate to their roles as well as damp and mould training. Training to utilise dampness measurement equipment has also been completed.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 7 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Disseminate tenant guidance on identifying damp and mould and reducing internal moisture through packs, inspections, publications and online information.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• We co-produced guidance information and support for tenants to help identify instances of damp, mould and condensation and help to reduce high levels of internal moisture in properties.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 8 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue the social-media campaign providing damp, mould and condensation advice.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Ongoing damp and mould social media campaign that has been running on council social media accounts since November 2023. In total the campaign has reached 85,778 people on Facebook and a further 3,815 on X (formerly Twitter).”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 8 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Maintain referral links with health, social care and education services, including fast-track pathways for damp and mould issues.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Proactive working and established links with health, public health and social care (including safeguarding teams) and education providers to support identification and resolution of damp, condensation and mould growth factors found in tenant’s homes, and encouraging instances to be reported for prompt action. The undertook a ‘Preventing Family Homeless’ pilot with Children’s”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 8 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Develop a pilot with health partners to train social prescribers in housing-related damp and mould matters.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• The council is currently developing a pilot project in Mansfield with Mid-Notts Place Based Partnership and health partners to train social prescribers in housing matters, including damp and mould growth, with specific emphasis on families with children experiencing respiratory conditions.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide the Healthy Homes Hub to support vulnerable residents with property-condition risks, including damp, mould and condensation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Provision of a Mansfield ‘Healthy Homes Hub’ (See Appendix 6) to support the most vulnerable tenants and residents to stay safe in their home. Support with property condition, including damp, mould and condensation, is included within the hub model.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide the ASSIST Hospital Discharge service for housing-related support, including damp, mould and condensation matters.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Provision of an ASSIST Hospital Discharge service in partnership with Sherwood Forest Hospital Trust and the Integrated Care System (See Appendix 7) to support discharge cases requiring housing-related support (which can include property conditions such as damp, mould and condensation matters) and prevent admission through work in the community.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Work with external contractors to identify early warning signs of damp and mould and respond proactively.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Working with external contractors to ensure early warning ‘on the ground’ of damp and mould growth in properties enabling us to proactively respond and prevent any further property damage and tenant risk.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Commission an independent consultant to review the council’s approach to damp and mould.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• The council have commissioned an independent consultant from Savills to review the council’s approach to damp and mould.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Introduce an interim procedure addressing potential Awaab’s Law repair timescales and actions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Introduced an interim procedure that considers the potential timescales and actions suggested in the consultation document - Awaab’s Law: Consultation on timescales for repairs in the social rented sector.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Introduce scripted triage prompts for all tenant-reported damp, mould and condensation cases.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Introduced a triage system with scripted prompts for all reported damp, mould and condensation cases reported by the tenant.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Update the website with damp, mould and condensation guidance, including moisture-reduction advice.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Updated our website to provide further guidance on damp, mould and condensation including tips to reduce moisture in the home.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Hold frequent contractor performance meetings to monitor damp and mould treatment progress and prioritisation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Ongoing frequent performance management meetings with contractors dealing with damp and mould treatment to monitor progress and ensure properties are prioritised where there are occupants that could be significantly affected by damp and mould due to medical conditions.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 9 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Trial environmental monitoring devices in tenants’ homes to support damp, mould and condensation cases.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Trialling environmental monitoring devices for placement in tenant’s homes to assist with supporting tenants that report damp, mould or condensation.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 10 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Procure specialist mould-treatment kits for appropriate tenant use.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Procured mould kits from specialist mould treatment company for tenant usage to support tenants to prevent mould growth where appropriate.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 10 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Increase capital investment in housing components and improvement programmes addressing root causes of damp and mould.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “This data has helped shape the direction and investment profile of our homes over the short, medium and longer term. This work combined has resulted in a significant increase in sustainable capital investment in council homes as part of the medium term financial strategy. Increased financial resource and capacity in this area also contributes to the council’s approach to addressing the root causes of damp and mould via windows, doors, roofing, heating and electrical upgrade programmes.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 7 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Participate in social-housing decarbonisation and domestic retrofit projects to improve council-home thermal efficiency.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The council has also taken part in the social housing decarbonisation demonstrator project as well as a domestic retrofit project within the D2N2 devolution programme with a view to improving the thermal efficiency of council homes.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 7 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Mould was found only inside bedroom furniture, not on walls or elsewhere in the home, limiting the stated extent of the mould risk.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “With reference to the Sherwood Forest Hospital (SFH) statement of Dr Hutchinson, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine (Appendix 3), on 5th June 2023 a consultant advises they were shown photos of mould on the walls of Mrs Bennett’s home. These photos have not been included within the SFH report and therefore the council are unable to comment on this. However, the photos provided by Mrs Bennett dated the 3rd and 4th of January 2023 (Appendix 2) that have been provided to the council by the Coroner appear to show mould on Mrs Bennett’s drawers and wardrobe only and not on any walls.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 4 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The medical report did not establish whether mould contributed to the interstitial lung disease, and identified other possible causes.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The report concludes the cause of Mrs Bennett’s Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) remains unclear. Blood tests which might support exposure to fungus were negative. Causes of ILD remained unclear and inconclusive. Possible causes included vaping, the medications Mrs Bennett was taking as well as possible mould (based on the photos the consultants were shown by Mrs Bennett). The report does not distinguish between these three factors. ████████ advises he did not see the mould himself and therefore it is difficult for him to give an opinion on the balance of probabilities whether it did in fact contribute.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 4 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Completing the remaining mould inspections depends on tenants allowing access to their homes.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Of the homes inspected, mould growth has been identified in 15 homes and in all cases, mould growth has been minimal. In all cases where mould has been identified however, mould treatment will be completed in agreement with the tenant within the council’s repairs target timescales. Mould treatment works have started on site by a specialist mould treatment company. All 64 tenants have received detailed advice to support them to minimise moisture levels and reduce the risk of mould in the future. A second reminder letter will be sent week beginning 22 January 23 to those tenants that have not yet contacted the council with the aim of completing all remaining inspections by 16 February 23. This programme is dependent upon tenants allowing access.”

    Source location

    Response from Mansfield District Council
    Page 3 · response
    Published 8 December 2023

    Open published response

  3. Manchester North

    AI-generated summary

    Awaab Ishak · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Awaab Ishak died on 21 December 2020 at the Royal Oldham Hospital, aged two, following a severe respiratory condition associated with prolonged exposure to mould in his home. The report identifies concerns about inadequate guidance and risk assessment for damp and mould, limited access to up-to-date health information, delays in addressing recognised disrepair where legal claims were ongoing, and the lack of independent complaints investigation for private landlords.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of consideration of damp and mould in housing standards guidance

    Wider context from the report

    “1. The 2006 document, “A Decent Home: Definition and Guidance for Implementation” does not give any consideration to the issue of damp and mould. Nor does it provide any guidance as to the need for a property to be adequately ventilated. ”

    Source location

    Awaab Ishak · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of easily accessible up-to-date health information on damp and mould risks

    Wider context from the report

    “3. There was no evidence that up to date relevant health information pertaining to the risks of damp and mould was easily accessible to the housing sector. ”

    Source location

    Awaab Ishak · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of the damp and mould HHSRS risk assessment data to reflect current known health risks

    Wider context from the report

    “2. The HHSRS data sheet relating to damp and mould, is used to calculate risks of the incident and the spread of harm is not reflective of the current known risks of damp and mould and harm to health. ”

    Source location

    Awaab Ishak · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review and modernise the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, including damp and mould risk estimates, guidance and health-effect information.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We agree this is a matter of concern. Our current review of the housing health and safety rating system (“HHSRS”) will support a better understanding of the known risks of damp and mould to health.”

    Source location

    Response from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Department for Health and Social Care
    Page 3 · response
    Published 21 November 2022

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review existing guidance and develop and publish consolidated health guidance on damp and mould for the housing sector.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), will lead a rapid review of existing guidance on the health impacts of damp and mould in homes, and then – engaging widely with interested parties – develop new consolidated guidance tailored to the housing sector. We will publish this new guidance by the summer. DHSC will lead this process and contribute expertise on the relevant health impacts, working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (“UKHSA”). DLUHC will contribute its expertise on the needs of the housing sector and how best to disseminate guidance to housing providers and tenants.”

    Source location

    Response from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Department for Health and Social Care
    Page 4 · response
    Published 21 November 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Disseminate the new damp and mould guidance to social housing providers, local authorities, landlords and tenants in accessible formats.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Once completed, I (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) will write to social housing providers and local authorities to highlight the new guidance. I (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) will also make sure that it is available for landlords and tenants, working closely with stakeholders to ensure it is widely available, including in the future ensuring this is accessible for private landlords via the Privately Rented Property Portal.”

    Source location

    Response from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Department for Health and Social Care
    Page 4 · response
    Published 21 November 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Direct local housing authorities to prioritise damp and mould hazards and provide assessments of hazards and identified remedial action.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Having considered it necessary and urgent to ensure that, as we go into a challenging winter, damp and mould issues are being addressed, I now direct, under section 3(3) of the Act, that all local housing authorities in carrying out their duty to review housing conditions in their area must:”

    Source location

    Response from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities letter to Local Authority CE
    Page 1 · response
    Published 21 November 2022

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The HHSRS review did not include updating the range of harms associated with damp and mould because that issue was outside its scope.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The HHSRS review follows an initial scoping exercise that concluded in 2019, where landlords, tenants, agents, local authorities and academics told us they appreciated the link the HHSRS makes between housing and health and how it allows individual properties to be assessed on their merits, but that they found it complicated and inefficient to use. Ministers decided that work should be undertaken to clarify and modernise the HHSRS assessment and consider whether some hazard profiles could be removed or combined and to improve the guidance given to landlords and tenants.”

    Source location

    Response from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Department for Health and Social Care
    Page 3 · response
    Published 21 November 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Social landlords are responsible for assessing damp and mould, undertaking necessary remedial action, and referring potential regulatory breaches.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The coroner’s report into Awaab’s death is a litany of failure. As housing providers, I expect you to read it in full and absorb its lessons. All social homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard; you must be aware of any that do not and undertake rapid remedial works. However, in light of this case I expect you to go further than the letter of the Standard and have particular regard to damp and mould.¹ Damp and mould are not ‘lifestyle issues’ as the Housing Ombudsman Service underscored last year. Where people complain about damp and mould, you must listen; where you find them, you must take prompt action. To keep tenants safe, you must not hide behind legal process.”

    Source location

    Response from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities letter to All Providers for Social Housing
    Page 1 · response
    Published 21 November 2022

    Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026