Damp & Mould Feature
Safety & Security 33
A breath of fresh air
Luke Brooks of Limelite discusses the shift driven by Awaab’s Law to focusing on breathable materials and building performance that off ers long-term solutions to persistent damp and mould.
P
ersistent damp and mould is among the most complex and visible challenges facing social landlords. With the introduction of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and the phased implementation of
Awaab’s Law from October 2025, we’ve seen a clear shiſt in expectations. Providers are no longer judged solely on how quickly they respond to reports, but on whether they deliver eff ective, lasting solutions that address underlying causes. For housing management and maintenance teams, this represents a
fundamental change in approach. We see the focus moving away from short- term remediation towards interventions that are cost-eff ective, scalable across large portfolios, and capable of delivering measurable improvements in building performance - without signifi cant disruption to residents. Across the sector, reports of damp and mould continue to rise, bringing
increased scrutiny and tighter regulatory expectations. Alongside compliance pressures, the impact on residents is signifi cant. Poor indoor air quality and prolonged exposure to mould are closely linked to respiratory issues and wider health concerns. From what we see working with housing providers, many of these challenges
stem from the nature of existing housing stock. Older homes, particularly those with solid walls, thermal bridging and limited ventilation, can be especially prone to moisture-related issues. As a result, maintenance teams oſt en fi nd themselves revisiting the same properties, carrying out familiar short-term fi xes.
Under the new regulatory landscape, however, this is no longer sustainable. It
is not enough to address what is visible; landlords must show they are tackling the conditions that allow damp and mould to persist in the fi rst place.
BEYOND SHORT-TERM FIXES For years, the sector has relied on surface-level interventions: anti-mould paints, chemical treatments, and upgraded extraction systems. While these can provide temporary relief, they rarely resolve the underlying relationship between moisture, temperature and the building fabric. At the other end of the scale, more comprehensive retrofi t solutions – such
as internal or external wall insulation – can deliver meaningful improvements. However, these approaches are not always practical. Cost, complexity, and the potential need for resident decanting can limit their application, particularly across large and varied housing portfolios. T is leaves a clear gap between reactive maintenance and full retrofi t. Bridging that gap is becoming an increasing priority for housing providers.
RETHINKING THE ROLE OF INTERNAL FINISHES One area that deserves greater attention is the role of internal wall fi nishes in managing moisture. Materials that allow buildings to ‘breathe’ can help regulate moisture levels within the structure, reducing the likelihood of condensation and mould forming.
Housing Management & Maintenance Summer 2026
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