Damp and mould: understanding and addressing the health risks for rented housing providers
This guidance delivers on the government’s commitment in response to the Coroner’s 'prevention of future deaths' report on the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak due to mould in the home.
Applies to England
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The consolidated guidance sets out the:
- health risks of damp and mould
- actions that can be taken by social and private rented landlords and their workforce to address and reduce the risk of damp and mould in their homes
It may also be of interest to health and social care professionals, owner-occupiers and tenants.
The report delivers on the government’s commitment in response to the Coroner’s ‘Prevention of future deaths’ report following the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak from a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home.
The Coroner’s report included the concern (matter of concern 3) that:
There was no evidence that up-to-date relevant health information pertinent to the risk of damp and mould was easily accessible to the housing sector.
The guidance is published jointly by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the UK Health Security Agency, following extensive engagement with the housing and health sectors, including tenant representative groups.
Updates to this page
Published 7 September 2023Last updated 15 August 2024 + show all updates
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Removed ministerial foreword. In annex C: energy support for households, updated date on Warm Home Discount Scheme and updated date and payments on Winter Fuel Payment scheme.
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First published.