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A resident-focused approach is key to combating damp and mould issues
It is important to adopt an education-focused approach when tackling damp and mould, writes Danny McCann, director of painting and maintenance at Seddon
Danny McCann is director of painting and maintenance at Seddon
Recent government reports have revealed that a large number of social and affordable rent homes are grappling with damp and mould in the UK, with 88,000 homes classified as having a ‘serious issue’.
However, these issues aren’t solely confined to social housing. The latest English Housing Survey revealed that the proportion of private renters who are living in damp homes has risen from one in 14 households pre-pandemic to one in seven households post-pandemic (2022-2023).
In July 2023, the government introduced an amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill, known as Awaab’s Law. This legislation imposes stricter time constraints on landlords to investigate and address reported damp and mould issues present in their properties.
As damp and mould can produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to our health, the introduction of Awaab’s Law underscored the urgent need to tackle dampness and mould for the health and well-being of our communities.
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As contractors, we work closely with housing associations and local authorities to improve the quality and standards of homes across the UK. In the past year alone, we’ve seen a surge in damp and mould call-outs and we have attended more than 3,500 homes.
Social housing is fundamentally about supporting and caring for people, particularly those most in need, and so it is our firm belief that stopping damp and mould must be approached with residents at the heart.
To effectively address dampness and mould, we must refocus our approach to be resident-centred. This begins with a swift response to reported issues where, ideally, an initial visit should be conducted within a maximum of five days of a report of an issue (mould can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions).
“By providing this information, we aim to empower residents to engage confidently with their housing providers and understand the steps taken to improve their homes”
Given the serious threat to health and well-being posed by damp and mould, we must move quickly on these issues when they’re reported. But while a quick call-out is an essential first step, the responsibility to the residents shouldn’t end there.
I believe in keeping residents fully informed about the improvements made to their homes. Working closely with housing providers, we have developed inclusive informational materials that cater to diverse linguistic needs. Our approach focuses on providing clear, accessible explanations of the work carried out in each property. These materials also guide residents on how to effectively report any future concerns they may have about their living environment.
By providing this information, we aim to empower residents to engage confidently with their housing providers and understand the steps taken to improve their homes. This fosters a collaborative relationship between residents, housing associations, local authorities and our maintenance teams, ensuring that any emerging issues can be addressed promptly and effectively.
Empathy and sensitivity should be at the forefront of any damp and mould work. With this in mind, inclusivity training is provided to all our onsite contractors to ensure that every damp and mould call-out is approached with respect and understanding. This focuses on putting the resident’s comfort as a top priority during inspections to help delicately manage the situation.
This approach not only addresses current concerns, but also helps prevent future issues which in turn, benefits housing associations and the communities that they serve.
We work alongside housing associations and local authorities to create strategies to streamline the process of addressing damp and mould issues. One effective method includes asking residents to describe the affected area size with familiar objects, such as televisions or bath towels. This approach makes measurements more relatable for residents who may be unfamiliar with standard measurement units or lack access to measuring tools. It also helps overcome potential language barriers by using universally understood objects.
Importantly, this method allows our team to better prepare for initial visits, reducing the need for multiple disruptions to the resident’s home.
“Empathy and sensitivity should be at the forefront of any damp and mould work”
We also leverage the JotForm software to enable real-time reporting and tracking of improvements, capturing before and after photos and logging root causes. The resulting detailed digital records, accessible to both contractors and landlords, ensure all parties remain well informed throughout the process.
We’ve also invested in training our team members to carry out inspections on buildings and understand the various factors that can affect a home’s condition. This careful attention helps to identify underlying issues that might not be immediately obvious and helps to plan effectively for any necessary improvements or maintenance.
Throughout this process, we keep residents informed and involved. Clear communication is key to building trust and ensuring everyone understands the steps being taken to improve living conditions.
Tackling damp and mould is about more than just fixing buildings – it’s about improving lives. When we put residents at the heart of our approach, we’re not just solving immediate problems, we’re empowering people to maintain healthier homes for years to come.
With swift action, education and ongoing support, we can raise the bar for housing quality across the UK. This resident-focused approach is the key to creating lasting change.
Danny McCann, director of painting and maintenance, Seddon
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