Landlords urged to join mould campaign backed by the King

MPs have been urged to help get landlords involved in a campaign to raise awareness about damp and mould.

Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week (20th–26th October) is back for its second year just as Awaab’s Law takes effect on 27th October, requiring social landlords to fix reported health hazards within strict legal timeframes. Private rentals are expected to be covered when secondary legislation to the Renters’ Rights Bill applies the law to the PRS sometime in 2026/2027.

The campaign, led by home safety specialist Aico, aims to address one of the UK’s most widespread housing crises, with up to 6.5 million households in England affected and an estimated £1.4 billion spent by the NHS annually treating related health issues. When wider societal costs are factored in, the figure rises to £15.4 billion.

Last year’s inaugural campaign brought together housing providers, charities, health professionals and tenants, reaching more than three million people through national press, radio and TV – and even received a note of commendation from King Charles.

Supporters

This year, supporting organisations/individuals include Professor Tim Sharpe (specialist in indoor ventilation and transmission), Healthy Homes Hub, Scottish Housing, The Property Ombudsman, Northern Irish Federation of Housing Associations and Sureserve.

Damp and mould doesn’t just damage buildings – it damages lives, with serious and far-reaching effects, says Dr Sam Collier, policy & research manager at Aico. “MPs are uniquely placed to amplify this issue and influence real change. By supporting this campaign, they can help bring landlords, local authorities, health services and tenants together to tackle it head-on,” adds Collier.

This year’s campaign will include a range of free webinars. For more information and how to get involved, visit www.aico.co.uk/damp-mould-action-and-awareness-week