In response to a number of campaigns demanding better housing conditions for tenants, the government recently announced that all landlords will be required to fix properties with damp issues. Known as Awaab’s law after the tragic death of Awaab due to prolonged exposure to mould, the rules will apply first to landlords for social housing but will eventually be imposed on private landlords too. As well as causing uncomfortable conditions in the home, damp and mould can aggravate a number of health conditions which often require medical care. According to the most recent figures from The Building Research Establishment, the NHS spends £1.4 billion every year on treating people affected by substandard housing, with the effects of excess cold giving rise to the greatest need. As awareness grows around the link between inferior housing conditions and the decline in the physical and mental health of residents, more is being done to monitor properties and wellbeing conditions to help people live safe and happy lives in their own homes.
Measures to Keep Homes Warm and Free From Damp
Across the UK, 1.3 million privately rented homes are considered to be substandard. Common problems include damp and mould, which in addition to being unsightly and uncomfortable to live with, can lead to a number of respiratory issues as well as allergies, rashes and infections. While local councils have an obligation to fix damp and mould in social housing, if damp is caused by a structural fault, then private landlords must also take steps to address the issue. These might include installing a damp course or adding insulation but damp most often arises in homes that are cold, most likely because of a heating system that is ineffective, broken or simply too costly to run regularly. Regular maintenance including a boiler service can help to ensure heating systems are safe, efficient and more cost effective in the long run.
Support for Mental Health Issues Linked to Poor Housing
While poor and insecure accommodation can cause a number of physical illnesses, it can also have a negative effect on mental health. Around 40 percent of private renters feel stressed and anxious due to housing issues including damp, overcrowding and unaffordable rents and, in the longer term, they are more likely to experience depression and a reduced sense of control over their lives. While physical symptoms caused by poor housing can be easily diagnosed and effectively treated, it can be harder to identify mental health issues that are exacerbated by substandard living conditions. Support services like Shelter or the charity Mind offer advice about housing and the possibility of being given a higher priority for alternative accommodation due to mental health problems.
New Health-Enhancing Policies for Better Quality Homes
Since 2006, the UK Housing Health and Safety Rating System has provided local councils with universal criteria to use in making health-based assessments of substandard and hazardous homes in order to identify where help is needed. More recently, the Renter’s Rights Bill introduced to Parliament in September 2024 and coming into force later, this year brings measures to improve the quality of accommodation in the UK and create healthier homes. As well as Awaab’s Law, these include the implementation of higher standards for thermal comfort and energy efficiency, improved ventilation and modern facilities.
Living in a cold, damp or overcrowded home can take its toll on both mental and physical health. While landlords are now being held more accountable for the maintenance and repair of their lets, private homeowners can also reduce the health risks posed by cold, damp and mould by ensuring their heating systems are working efficiently.
