Posted 13.04.21
Housing Ombudsman Service: Further reading
The Housing Ombudsman Service has issued its first call for evidence to support a thematic investigation which will look at damp and mould.
It will enable the Ombudsman to make recommendations and share best practice, to help landlords develop their services and improve the experience of residents.
An initial review of our case data identified a high rate of maladministration on cases that feature damp and mould at 55% of the 112 cases in the Ombudsman's formal remit over the last two years.
Compensation is also high with a total of £68,000 ordered in the same period, indicating a significant impact on residents in some cases.
Open to both member landlords and their residents, the evidence submissions will ensure that The Housing Ombudsman Service can make far-reaching recommendations that promote greater understanding of the complexity of tackling damp and mould and share best practice across the sector.
This investigation follows the Ombudsman's report on complaints about heating, hot water and energy in social housing published in February 2021, which examines another aspect of its casework that is fundamental to living in a decent home.
The aim is to publish the final report on damp and mould in the autumn.
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Updated 13.04.21
ITV News: 'Why are we being forgotten?': The tenants living in mould-infested flats
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