Introduction
The Housing Ombudsman has now reported over 100 severe maladministration cases relating to damp and mould, highlighting a pattern of failings in how landlords manage inspections, communication, and tenant support. With Awaab’s Law set to enforce stricter timelines for addressing hazards, the spotlight on housing providers has never been stronger.
As a leading specialist in ventilation and mould prevention, Vortice UK stresses the urgent need for landlords to take proactive, long-term measures to ensure compliance and protect residents’ health.
Key Failings Identified by the Ombudsman
- Inspection and Repairs Delays – landlords failing to conduct timely inspections and carry out repairs, leaving residents in deteriorating conditions.
- Serious Health Impacts – prolonged exposure to damp and mould linked to respiratory illnesses including asthma, eczema, and worsening existing conditions.
- Inadequate Compensation – cases where residents received as little as £150 despite losing access to bedrooms due to mould damage.
- Organisational Risks – poor record-keeping, slow communication, and lack of learning from complaints leading to increased costs and reputational harm.
- Legislative Pressure – with the rollout of Awaab’s Law, landlords will face strict legal deadlines to identify and fix hazards such as damp and mould.
Vortice’s Role in Tackling Damp and Mould
“This latest report underlines the critical importance of tackling the root causes of damp and mould, not just the symptoms,” said Paul Harrington, Social Housing Sales Director at Vortice UK.
At Vortice, we go beyond supplying equipment. Our team:
- Visits properties to assess ventilation requirements comprehensively.
- Delivers bespoke solutions tailored to each housing stock.
- Provides post-installation certification to demonstrate compliance.
This approach ensures landlords can deliver healthier, compliant homes while reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Preparing for Awaab’s Law
With Awaab’s Law coming into force, housing providers will be legally required to respond within strict timelines when damp and mould is reported. Vortice’s advanced ventilation solutions are designed to:
- Support compliance with new legislative requirements.
- Provide measurable improvements in indoor air quality.
- Help create healthier, safer homes for tenants.
