New procedures for making damp and mould complaints

The housing ombudsman has issued a report and evaluation of how landlords are dealing with damp and mould cases following the death of Awaab Ishak. The report found that many landlords have not responded to the issue urgently and that a dedicated damp and mould policy is needed to address the shortcomings identified in casework.

Richard Blakeway, the housing ombudsman, has called on landlords to have a sustained focus on culture and behaviours to ensure that issues are not dismissed. He also encouraged governing bodies to consider the ten 'key tests' outlined in the report when reviewing plans.

Richard Blakeway said: 

“The inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak has focused the minds of the sector. But we are continually finding in our casework that landlords have not responded to this issue with sufficient urgency.

“I welcome the work that many landlords are doing to strengthen their approach following the coroner’s report. Our Spotlight report and this evaluation are invaluable tools to support that.

“It is disappointing when we conducted our review how few landlords had acted to implement a dedicated damp and mould policy, despite there being a clear and driving need to have a bespoke response for these reports given the shortcomings identified in our casework."

The report's recommendations focus on good governance and continued learning, which affects policy, process, and front-line delivery. The ombudsman has urged senior leaders to go faster and further in their efforts to do what is right for their residents.

Social housing tenants can now complain directly to the Housing Ombudsman. If you are a tenant and would like further information, please visit the following link.

If you have any questions or require further information about the subject, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Lyn Ryan at lryan@tmjlegal.co.uk.