A report by the Housing Ombudsman Service has revealed shocking details of neglect and incompetence from some big landlords, including many local authorities and housing associations, when it comes to tackling damp and mould problems.

Ahead of Awaab’s Law law into force in October this year, there has been a focus on the issue and the harm it causes to tenants’ health. The Ombudsman’s report, ‘Learning from: Severe Maladministration,’ reveals just how much work there is to do beforehand.

Worst cases

In the report,  the Ombudsman details some of the worst cases, including Greenwich Council, which failed to undertake an inspection for a year on a property, despite the impact it was having on the children’s bedrooms. Works did not start for two years, even after parts of the home had become unhabitable.

Housing association, A2Dominion Group failed to conduct a survey for three and a half years, instead relying on mould washes. No explanation was provided for the delay, despite being told that, as a result, one resident’s daughter had to increase her asthma treatment.

Maladministration

And the Ombudsman had to make a finding of ‘severe maladministration’ before Lambeth Council acted on a damp and mould complaint.

Cornwall Council failed to take any action whatsoever, even after an inspection uncovered extensive damp and mould in a pregnant woman’s home.

We hope these cases help landlords to learn from complaints to improve their response.”

In another of the more serious cases, delays in tackling damp and mould by housing association Together Housing Group led to children sleeping on the floor for two and a half years. The home had widespread black mould on the walls, skirting, and furniture, including the bed frame and mattress of an asthmatic resident.

Richard Blakeway (main image), Housing Ombudsman, said: “We hope these cases help landlords to learn from complaints to improve their response to an issue which continues to dominate our casework.”