Damp and Mould Compensation in London
London Social Housing and Council House tenants are affected by damp and mould conditions, there are thousands of families living in horrendous conditions that are not just cosmetic issues — they pose serious threats to health, safety, and quality of life.
The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by exposure to severe mould in his family’s council flat, brought national attention to the dangers of untreated mould. This led to the introduction of Awaab’s Law, which comes into force in October 2025. Under this new law, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards within strict deadlines. Emergency repairs, including dangerous damp and mould, must be completed within 24 hours, with additional timelines expected for less urgent cases.
The Scale of the Mould Crisis in London’s Social Housing
Official data from the Regulator of Social Housing showed that over 6% of housing association homes reported mould issues in 2023. However, experts warn the real numbers could be much higher.
Switchee, a smart home technology provider working with over 130 housing associations, found that 18% of social homes were at high risk of mould at the start of 2024 — nearly one in five properties.
This hidden crisis leaves thousands of tenants living in unsafe conditions, with serious health risks, including respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and mental health problems.
Fuel Poverty, Poor Ventilation & Mould – A Dangerous Mix
In many cases, mould isn’t just caused by poor construction or lack of maintenance — fuel poverty plays a key role. Many tenants, especially in London, are forced to cut back on heating, keeping windows closed to conserve warmth. This lack of ventilation, combined with structural damp, creates the perfect environment for mould to thrive.
Legal Help for Social Housing Tenants in London
If you’re living with damp, mould, or other disrepair issues in your council or housing association home, you may be entitled to compensation and repairs. Don’t suffer in silence — Hutcheon Law specialises in helping social housing tenants across London hold landlords accountable and secure safe, healthy homes for themselves and their families.
With Awaab’s Law introducing clearer obligations for landlords, now is the time for tenants to stand up for their rights and demand action.
2. Hutcheon Law
