Social landlords throughout the UK are struggling to deal with complaints about damp and mold inside acceptable timeframes, elevating fears that many will miss the legislation’s strict 24-hour and 10-day deadlines.
Authorities evaluation estimates 3-4% of social properties have ‘notable’ damp and mold points, and 1-2% have ‘severe’ issues (DLUHC).
Wesley Blackburn, director at Allerton Damp, stated: “These numbers are alarming however sadly not stunning.
“The Ombudsman and FOI information present that many councils and housing associations are failing to reply shortly sufficient.
“Complaints are delayed, investigations take weeks, and typically nothing is finished till the Ombudsman intervenes.
“Awaab’s Legislation is overdue as a result of households have been residing with hazardous mould for a lot too lengthy.”
FOI information from native authorities exhibits huge regional disparities.
Perth & Kinross Council logged virtually 1,500 complaints in two years, triple the 2020 determine; Manchester Metropolis Council had solely 59% of Stage 1 complaints dealt with on time in 2023–24; Westminster Metropolis Council noticed 47% of Stage 1 and 26% of Stage 2 complaints meet deadlines; and Berneslai Houses (Barnsley) obtained 75 formal complaints in a single yr.
Suzanne Gregson, litigation associate within the housing litigation crew at Anthony Collins, stated: “There’s clearly a threat of elevated complaints and litigation if social landlords are unable to satisfy the tight timeframes set throughout the laws.”
