Social landlords across the UK are struggling to handle complaints about damp and mould within acceptable timeframes, raising fears that many will miss the law’s strict 24-hour and 10-day deadlines.
Government analysis estimates 3-4% of social homes have ‘notable’ damp and mould issues, and 1-2% have ‘serious’ problems (DLUHC).
Wesley Blackburn, director at Allerton Damp, said: “These numbers are alarming but sadly not surprising.
“The Ombudsman and FOI data show that many councils and housing associations are failing to respond quickly enough.
“Complaints are delayed, investigations take weeks, and sometimes nothing is done until the Ombudsman intervenes.
“Awaab’s Law is overdue because families have been living with hazardous mould for far too long.”
FOI data from local authorities shows wide regional disparities.
Perth & Kinross Council logged almost 1,500 complaints in two years, triple the 2020 figure; Manchester City Council had only 59% of Stage 1 complaints handled on time in 2023–24; Westminster City Council saw 47% of Stage 1 and 26% of Stage 2 complaints meet deadlines; and Berneslai Homes (Barnsley) received 75 formal complaints in one year.
Suzanne Gregson, litigation partner in the housing litigation team at Anthony Collins, said: “There is obviously a risk of increased complaints and litigation if social landlords are unable to meet the tight timeframes set within the legislation.”