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Damp and Mould advice for Council Tenants

Dealing with damp and mould 

Damp and mould are one of the most serious hazards that can be found in homes as mould exposure can have severe health consequences. We’re committed to working with our tenants to ensure that they can live in homes free from damp and mould.  

On 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law comes into effect. The law is named in memory of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died due to black mould exposure in Rochdale in 2020. The law is intended to ensure social housing providers address hazards in a timely manner, so all tenants can live in safe homes. We’re committed to responding to damp and mould effectively and will meet or exceed the requirements of Awaab’s law.  

Awaab’s law means that we must:  

  • Investigate any potentially significant hazards (like damp and mould) within 10 working days of becoming aware of them. 
  • Provide the tenant with a written summary of the investigation within 3 working days of its conclusion. 
  • Undertake relevant safety work within 5 working days of the investigation if a significant hazard is identified. 
  • Begin, or take steps to begin, any work to prevent the hazard from recurring within 5 working days of the investigation concluding, if the investigation identifies a significant or emergency hazard. If steps cannot be taken to begin work in 5 working days, work must be physically started as soon as possible and within 12 weeks. 
  • In emergency situations, where prevalent damp and mould is having a material impact on a tenant’s health, for example their ability to breathe, we must respond within 24 hours.  

For more information about Awaab’s law, see the government’s website. 

We’re committed to tackling damp and mould, but tenants also have a vital role to play – helping us catch the problem early. If you’re a tenant and spot damp and mould, or any other hazard, please report it immediately. We’re here to help ensure your home remains safe, dry, and comfortable. 

You can report damp and mould by calling us on 01235 422422 and asking for ‘Housing Repairs’. You can also email us at tenants@southandvale.gov.uk.  

The Council’s approach to preventing damp and mould 

As well as treating cases of damp and mould in our homes quickly and effectively, we’re working hard to prevent damp and mould from ever becoming a problem. Some of our preventative measures include: 

  • Standard Installation of Humidistat Extractor Fans: As part of our ongoing property upgrades, we are fitting humidistat-controlled extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms across our housing stock. These fans automatically activate when humidity levels rise above a safe threshold, helping to expel excess moisture from cooking, showering, or drying clothes. This not only improves ventilation but also reduces the likelihood of condensation leading to mould growth, aligning directly with Awaab’s Law’s emphasis on proactive hazard mitigation. 
  • Providing Hygrometers to Tenants: To help residents monitor and manage indoor humidity, we are distributing free hygrometers (humidity meters) to all tenants upon request or during routine visits. These simple devices allow you to track humidity levels in your home, typically aiming for 40-60% to prevent mould. Accompanied by easy-to-follow guidance, this initiative empowers tenants to spot potential issues early and take steps like improving ventilation or adjusting heating, fostering a collaborative approach to home maintenance. 
  • Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance Protocols: We conduct regular property surveys, including thermal imaging where needed, to identify hidden moisture sources such as leaks or poor insulation. Under Awaab’s Law, any reported concerns will trigger a rapid response, with a full investigation and action plan provided in writing to tenants. 
  • Investment in Property Upgrades: Beyond fans and monitors, we’re prioritising improvements like better insulation, double glazing, and external repairs to roofs and gutters to tackle root causes of damp penetration. 

These initiatives reflect our dedication to not just complying with Awaab’s Law, but to exceeding its requirements by focusing on long-term prevention.  

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