Tackling Damp, Mould and Condensation in Your Home

Awaab’s Law: Strengthening Our Commitment to Safe, Healthy Homes

At Nehemiah Housing Association, we believe that everyone deserves to live in a safe, warm, and healthy home. We take all reports of damp, mould and condensation (DMC) very seriously, and we’re committed to taking swift action to put things right.

From Monday 27 October, new legislation known as Awaab’s Law comes into force. This law sets clear, legal timeframes for social landlords to respond to and fix serious housing hazards, including damp and mould.

Named in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home, this law reinforces the duty of all housing providers to act quickly and effectively.

At Nehemiah, we already meet these standards – our policies and procedures ensure that your home remains safe, comfortable, and well-maintained.

When to Contact Us

If you notice any signs of damp, mould or condensation, please report it to us straight away.

Look out for the following signs:

• Black or green mould patches on walls, ceilings, or around windows
• Peeling wallpaper or paint
• Musty smells or visible damp patches
• Condensation that doesn’t clear after cleaning or ventilating
• Health concerns, especially if anyone in your household has asthma, respiratory conditions, or is very young, elderly, or pregnant

You can report issues through our repairs reporting system.

What Happens When You Report a Problem

When you let us know about damp, mould or condensation, here’s what you can expect:

1. Immediate acknowledgement – we’ll log your case and confirm we’ve received your report.
2. Assessment – if we can identify the cause (for example, a leak), we’ll arrange a repair straight away.
3. Inspection – if more investigation is needed, a surveyors’ visit will usually take place within 5–14 days to assess the issue and carry out any initial treatment.
4. Advice and support – during the visit, our surveyor will offer practical advice on managing damp and mould while repairs are completed.
5. Action – we’ll carry out any necessary works, which may include cleaning, mould treatment, repairs, or improvements to ventilation or insulation.
6. Communication – we’ll keep you updated at every stage until the problem is fully resolved.
7. Follow-up – around six months later, we’ll revisit your home to ensure the problem has been permanently resolved.

If there’s an immediate health risk, we’ll treat it as an emergency and take action within 24 hours.

Our Promise to You

We’re committed to:

• Taking every report seriously and investigating promptly
• Keeping you informed about what’s happening and when
• Prioritising households where anyone is at greater health risk
• Learning from every case so we can continue to improve our service

Extra Support for Our Tenants

If damp or mould makes your home unsafe to live in while we complete repairs, we’ll discuss temporary accommodation options with you.

If you or someone in your household is vulnerable – due to health conditions, pregnancy, or age – please let us know. We’ll make reasonable adjustments and prioritise your case to make sure you get the help you need as quickly as possible.

Working Together to Prevent Damp and Mould

You can also help reduce the chances of damp and mould appearing in your home by keeping your property well-ventilated and reporting problems early.

For practical advice, visit our Damp, Mould and Condensation information page to learn more about prevention and support.

Together, we can make sure every Nehemiah home is warm, safe and free from damp and mould.