Issue

Damp and Mould

24 stories · discussed at 16 council meetings · 16 councils

Councils are currently focusing on implementing Awaab's Law and addressing rising resident complaints about damp and mould in housing.

In September 2026, an internal audit flagged Barnet Group for high-risk findings in damp and mould, including weaknesses in compliance with Awaab's Law timescales, a report to the Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee said. Councils are focusing on implementing Awaab's Law, which became effective in October 2025, imposing strict timeframes for rectifying damp and mould issues. Lambeth Council reviewed its preparations in July 2026, while Hammersmith and Fulham Council plans an audit for 2026/27 focusing on compliance.

Resident satisfaction with housing complaint handling remains a key concern, with a September 2026 report to Lewisham's Housing Select Committee revealing only 37% of tenants were satisfied. Damp and mould was identified as a primary driver for a significant surge in housing complaints at Harrow Council, which saw an 89% rise in Stage 1 complaints in 2025-26, according to its Annual Housing Complaints Report in July 2026. Brent Council also heard resident concerns about mould in new housing developments in July 2026.

Councils are committing significant investment to address damp and mould and improve housing stock. Lewisham Council approved a £600 million investment in February 2026 to build new homes and tackle damp and mould in existing properties. Harrow Council approved a £97.6 million capital works programme in March 2026, emphasising tackling damp and mould. Tower Hamlets Council approved a £609 million Housing Asset Management Strategy for 2026-2031 in March 2026 to ensure homes are safe and well-maintained.

Key facts

  1. Barnet Group was flagged for high-risk findings in damp and mould, including Awaab's Law compliance, in September 2026. Source
  2. Lewisham residents reported only 37% satisfaction with housing complaint handling in September 2026. Source
  3. Harrow Council saw an 89% rise in Stage 1 housing complaints in 2025-26, with damp and mould as a primary driver. Source
  4. Awaab's Law became effective on 27 October 2025, imposing strict timeframes for rectifying damp and mould issues. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  5. Lewisham Council approved a £600 million investment in February 2026 to build new homes and tackle damp and mould. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 3

  1. H&F Housing Responds to Awaab's Law with Damp & Mould Team, Reports High Compliance with Decent Homes Standard Hammersmith and Fulham Council is strengthening its commitment to resident safety by establishing an in-house damp and mould team within its housing department, as part of its... Hammersmith and Fulham 2 December 2025
  2. Tower Hamlets Council Launches New Damp and Mould Policy Tower Hamlets Council has launched a new Damp and Mould Policy, designed to align with Awaab's Law and the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023. The policy aims to improve the... Tower Hamlets 7 November 2025
  3. Wandsworth Council Increases Housing Budget to Address Damp, Mould, and Building Safety Wandsworth Council is increasing capital spending to address damp and mould concerns in its housing stock and meet new regulatory requirements. The plans were revealed at the... Wandsworth 2 November 2025
  4. Camden Council Prepares for Awaab's Law Implementation Camden Council is actively preparing for the implementation of Awaab's Law, which comes into effect on 27 October 2025. The law places new statutory duties on social landlords... Camden 28 October 2025
  5. Islington Council Overspending in Housing Revenue Account Due to Damp, Mould, and Housing Disrepair Claims Islington Council is facing budget challenges due to overspending in its Housing Revenue Account (HRA), primarily driven by the increasing costs associated with tackling damp... Islington 13 October 2025
  6. Camden Considers Cross-Party Panel for Serious Complaints Recompense Camden Council is considering a motion to remove standard tariff sections from its Camden Remedies Policy and Procedure Complaints for serious cases, proposing a cross-party... Camden 29 September 2025
  7. Haringey Council Addresses Damp and Mould Issues, Prepares for Awaab's Law Haringey Council is taking proactive steps to address damp and mould issues in its housing stock, including preparing for the implementation of Awaab's Law, set to take effect... Haringey 27 September 2025
  8. Wandsworth Council to Purchase iPads for Mould Removal Team Wandsworth Council is set to equip its mould removal team with 60 iPads to improve their efficiency and response times, as part of a wider strategy to tackle damp and mould in... Wandsworth 17 July 2025