Damp and Mould: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Health and Safety Risks

At CDS, we are committed to ensuring every resident lives in a safe, warm, and dry home. Damp and mould are not just inconvenient, they pose serious health risks and can affect the quality of life for you and your household. This article outlines your rights and responsibilities, and what we’re doing to support you.

Understanding Damp and Mould

Damp and mould can arise from various causes, including rising damp from the ground, penetrating damp due to leaks, and condensation from poor ventilation or heating. These conditions can damage your home and belongings, and more importantly, impact your health.

Health Risks You Should Know

Living in a damp or mouldy environment can lead to respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and in severe cases, life-threatening infections. Vulnerable groups—such as children, older adults, and those with existing health conditions—are especially at risk.

Mental health can also be affected, with many residents reporting stress and anxiety linked to poor living conditions.

Your Rights as a Resident

You have the right to live in a home that is free from hazards like damp and mould. Under UK law, landlords—including housing associations like CDS—must investigate and resolve damp and mould issues promptly. This includes compliance with the Housing Act 2004, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and the upcoming Awaab’s Law. 

If damp or mould is caused by structural issues, poor insulation, or faulty systems, it is our responsibility to fix it.

Your Responsibilities

To help us act quickly and effectively:

• Report any signs of damp or mould immediately—via phone, email, our website, or in person.
• Let us know about faulty equipment that could affect humidity, such as broken extractor fans or heating systems.
• Allow access for inspections and repairs so we can assess and resolve the issue.

If you’re unsure whether the issue is our responsibility, we will investigate and clarify during a home visit.

What We’re Doing

We’ve launched the “Every Contact Counts” campaign to ensure every interaction with residents includes a check for damp and mould. We’ve partnered with Oceans for consistent and accountable repairs, trained our staff, and updated our policies to reflect best practice and legal compliance.

We attempted to contact every resident over the summer months to discuss repairs, including your concerns about Damp and Mould. We managed to reach out to over 450 residents.  

We’re also preparing for Awaab’s Law, which requires Landlords to carry out work against strict timelines for resolving damp and mould issues. Our self-assessment shows we’re 79% compliant, with no critical improvements noted and some additional measures underway.

Need Help?

Visit the Damp and Mould section on our website or contact us directly on 020 4551 0080 or email us at talktous@cds.coop . We’re here to support you with empathy and urgency. If you feel that you have not been heard and you have ongoing concerns, email our Head of Property Services, Erin Forde at erin.forde@cds.coop. She will make sure your concerns are managed efficiently.