Calls for more to be done to tackle damp and mould in homes

The report, by the London Assembly environment committee, published today, makes a series of recommendations to help improve housing conditions in the capital.

It suggests the main problems leading to damp and mould in homes is poor ventilation and condensation – with overcrowding making the problem worse.

The chairman of the environment committee, Caroline Russell, said she first wanted to look into the issue when she was working as a councillor in Islington.

She said people were coming to her with problems of mould and damp in their homes and the problems were not being dealt with.

Ms Russell said: “You can’t tell people not to live in those homes, that’s just not okay. We wanted to find out what causes mould and ways to find it.

“Too often people feel they are in a losing battle to keep their homes warm and free of condensation and mould, spending a fortune without feeling any lasting benefits.

“It’s important that we make sure housing associations, private renters and councils are making homes fit to live in.”

The report says new homes built in the capital, especially those for social and affordable rent, are designed with enough ventilation, especially for homes that are overcrowded.

Ms Russell said: “We have identified there is a problem and that is the coming together of different issues – overcrowding and the lack of ventilation.”

“You feel a bit ashamed if there’s mould on your walls, even if it’s not your fault but people living in overcrowded conditions are hit with a double whammy – poor ventilation made worse with over-crowding.

“The private rented sector is where it is most difficult. People are scared of complaining because they don’t want to get evicted.”

The report says better advice services are needed for tenants and landlords so people know how to correctly deal with the problem.

It also says social housing providers should work with residents to offer advice on how to prevent condensation.

Ms Russell added: “We really just want councils and housing associations to work around the issue. We want to spread the message and make sure more people are on board.

“We want people to be thinking about implementing multiple measures. Mould and damp poses a massive risk to people’s health, especially people suffering from respiratory problems.

“They affect people’s mental health and wellbeing and it is not okay that people are living in these conditions.”

Damp problems affect around six per cent of homes in London with serious condensation being the most common form of damp.

Poor quality housing, with health hazards including damp, costs the NHS £2 billion each year.