Damp and mould – often slow, silent, and insidious, their presence can silently erode the very fabric of your buildings, inflate repair bills, expose you to significant legal risks, lead to costly voids, and most importantly, jeopardise the health and well-being of your residents.
The consequences are far-reaching and, as we’re increasingly seeing, incredibly expensive. But with Awaab’s Law slated for implementation in October 2025, addressing damp and mould is no longer just a moral imperative; it’s rapidly becoming a strict legal obligation.
The Looming Financial & Reputational Storm
Should damp and mould take hold within your portfolio, the financial stability you’ve worked so hard to build could crumble – and fast. Consider the potential impact:
- Reactive repairs: A staggering £3,000–£10,000 per property. These aren’t minor fixes; they’re often extensive and disruptive, from water leaks to electrical issues.
- Legal claims: Facing legal action can cost you £10,000–£30,000+, not including the immeasurable damage to your professional reputation.
- Void loss: Every week a property sits vacant due to damp and mould remediation can cost you £250–£500. This adds up quickly, especially across multiple units.
- Reputational and regulatory risk: Beyond Awaab’s Law, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System), and the Fitness for Human Habitation Act all underscore a heightened regulatory focus on tenant safety and property conditions. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties and public scrutiny.
It’s clear: if damp and mould strike, the odds are stacked against you. The damage extends beyond monetary figures, impacting your standing as a responsible housing provider and the trust you’ve built with your tenants.
Beyond the Law: The Human Impact
While the financial and legal ramifications are stark, it’s crucial to remember the human element. Damp and mould are not just property issues; they are public health concerns. Respiratory problems, allergies, and weakened immune systems are all documented health risks associated with living in damp and mouldy environments, with black mould being particularly threatening. Proactively preventing these conditions isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about safeguarding the health and dignity of the individuals and families you house. This is why it’s so vital to learn how to prevent dampness and mould across your portfolio.
Stop Damp and Mould in its Tracks with Proactive Intelligence
The good news? You don’t have to wait for damp and mould to take hold before you act. There is a way to combat it before it even becomes a problem.
Introducing ResiSure: your proactive shield against the silent scourge of damp and mould. ResiSure is a smart, IoT-enabled environmental sensor designed specifically for social housing providers. It continuously monitors crucial environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and other conditions that create a breeding ground for damp and mould.
At just £15 per month per unit, ResiSure offers unparalleled real-time visibility into your property conditions. This allows you to:
- Act early: Intervene at the first sign of risk, before minor issues escalate into costly problems.
- Demonstrate compliance: Proactively gather data to prove you are meeting regulatory requirements under Awaab’s Law and other legislation.
- Protect your tenants: Ensure a healthy and safe living environment, enhancing their well-being and satisfaction.
- Preserve your assets: Prevent long-term structural damage and extend the lifespan of your properties.
The ResiSure Business Case: Real Savings, Real ROI
Let’s look at the numbers. For a housing provider managing 50 properties, the impact of ResiSure is clear:
Cost of ResiSure:
- £15/month per unit = £180/year
- For a 50-unit block = £9,000/year
Potential Savings with ResiSure:
- Avoided reactive repairs (based on just 3 cases) = £15,000
- One legal case avoided = £15,000
- Reduced voids (due to proactive intervention in just 2 units) = £4,000
- Total potential benefit: £34,000
Net Savings: £25,000 Return on Investment (ROI), a staggering 280%+
These figures highlight not just the potential for cost avoidance, but a genuine opportunity to improve your bottom line. Investing in ResiSure isn’t an expense; it’s a strategic investment in the future of your housing portfolio, your residents’ health, and your organisation’s reputation.
Find out How to Prevent Dampness and Mould with ResiSure
Awaab’s Law is a watershed moment for social housing. It signifies a clear shift towards greater accountability and proactive measures to ensure tenant safety. By embracing solutions like ResiSure, you’re not just reacting to legislation; you’re actively future-proofing your portfolio, fostering trust with your residents, and building a more resilient, compliant, and ultimately, more profitable housing operation.
To stay compliant, protect your tenants’ health, and keep your investment profitable, stopping damp and mould is non-negotiable.
Get in touch with ResiSure today to find out how to prevent dampness and mould across your portfolio and see how much we could help you save.