Use this page to view the Damp and Mould Charter and to view the list of registered providers who have signed it.
As signatories to this Charter, we are demonstrating our commitment to deliver on the 26 recommendations set out by the Ombudsman in the Spotlight on: Damp and mould, It’s not lifestyle’ report, adherence to The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 which amends the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (known as Awaab’s Law) and an acknowledgment that the industry wide change in culture around damp and mould called for by the Ombudsman is needed.
The aim of this Charter is to establish a set of four principles that landlords will use to inform their approach to damp and mould in their housing stock. Commitment to these principles will support equity in the outcome for tenants, regardless of the provider they are housed with. We also believe that by sharing best practice and engaging in discussion about how we can deliver on the Ombudsman’s recommendations, we are in a stronger position to drive constructive dialogue and improvement.
This means ensuring that damp and mould prevention and intervention is prioritised through Implementing or developing a dedicated damp and mould strategy or policy.
These would set out how damp and mould issues will be identified and monitored, how staff will be trained on dealing quickly, empathically and knowledgeably with reports of damp and mould, and the range of interventions that can be used.
To move from taking a reactive approach to dealing with reports of damp and mould, to a proactive one which actively invites reports and feedback and provides a quick, efficient process for resolving issues that is also open, transparent, and accessible to all residents.
To build on the principle of taking a proactive approach by ensuring we fully accept our responsibilities as landlords, seeking always to explore how we can prevent, detect, and address issues.
We will not infer blame on tenant lifestyle, but instead will take steps to know, listen to and work with tenants, ensuring communication and advice around damp and mould is accurate, appropriate, and fair.
In the investigation of damp and mould reports, we will shift emphasis away from occupational factors like cooking practices, toward the fabric of the property itself, including affordable warmth options for the tenants.
We will invest in proactive measures to identify inherent or structural factors that lead homes to be more susceptible to damp and mould.
Ensure knowledge of and compliance with all legal and regulatory duties including but not limited to those set out in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (as amended by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023).
Signatories |
Date of signing |
|---|---|
| Curo Group | 28/02/2024 |
| YMCA Brunel Group | 04/03/2024 |
| LiveWest | 11/03/2024 |
| Bath and North East Somerset | 15/03/2024 |
| The Guinness Partnership | 15/03/2024 |
| Advance Housing and Support Ltd | 15/03/2024 |
| Selwood Housing | 18/03/2024 |
| Alliance Homes | 19/03/2024 |
| English Rural Housing Association | 25/03/2024 |
| White Horse Housing Association | 26/03/2024 |
| Places For People Homes Ltd | 17/04/2024 |
| Golden Lane Housing | 17/04/2024 |
| Dimensions (UK) Ltd | 18/04/2024 |
| Abbeyfield | 18/04/2024 |
| Brighter Places | 23/04/2024 |
| Sanctuary Housing Association | 23/05/2024 |
| Julian House | 09/07/2024 |
| Aster Group | 09/07/2024 |