From Patch-Up to Prevention: The Real Cost of Doing Nothing

11 April 2025

Earlier today, Switchee shared some insight from a recent housing partner study that’s been making the rounds — and with good reason.

Their data showed that:
● Reactive mould treatment often requires seven visits per case
● Each visit costs around £250
● And 95% of mould issues are condensation-related, not structural

That’s £1,750+ per case — and that’s just the start. Add in void periods, reputational damage, staff time, and resident complaints, and the full cost of “waiting for the problem” starts to stack up fast.

This kind of analysis is timely. It adds to a growing consensus: reactive maintenance is no longer sustainable — financially or ethically. Providers are looking for smarter, preventative approaches. And crucially, they’re looking for systems that are not just insightful, but easy to deliver at scale.

The Condensation Problem: Common, Costly, and Often Invisible

Switchee’s data underlines something housing professionals have known for a while — that most damp and mould isn’t due to rising damp or leaks. It’s the result of condensation.

That’s not to say it’s simple. Condensation risk is dynamic — shifting with:
● Ambient humidity and temperature
● Internal airflow and ventilation
● Occupant behaviour, from drying laundry to heating use

But while it’s complex, it’s also measurable. And with the right approach, it’s manageable.

Beyond Single Sensors: Why High-Quality Data Matters

There’s a big difference between simply installing a humidity sensor and truly understanding mould risk. At ResiSure, we don’t just measure ambient conditions.

Our sensors gather:
● Relative humidity
● Temperature
● Dew point
● Air quality

This data feeds into an intelligent system that doesn’t just show readings — it calculates risk. Our software automatically flags properties where condensation risk is rising, using traffic-light indicators and smart thresholds tailored to each home. We also monitor across multiple rooms and zones, so early signs don’t go unnoticed. The result is not just more data, but better insight, with reports and alerts that help teams prioritise action based on evidence — not instinct.

Installation Shouldn’t Be the Hard Part

One of the challenges many providers face is deployment. The tech might be effective — but if it requires hardwiring, external contractors, or days of disruption, it simply doesn’t scale.

That’s why ResiSure is designed differently:
● No installation fees
● No hardwiring
● No need for specialist contractors
● Sensors can be installed in minutes by internal teams — or even by residents

This low-friction deployment model means prevention becomes a practical, affordable standard — not an ambitious long-term goal.

Explore our pricing and install model

What Happens When You Do Nothing?

Let’s imagine a typical case where action is only taken once mould is visibly reported.

ScenarioReactiveProactive
Visits Per Case7*0-2 (with early alerts)
Cost Per Visit£250+£0
Time To InterveneWeeksDays
Resident ImpactHighLow
Compliance RiskElevatedReduced

Even with partial intervention, there’s huge value in shifting to early action. But with the right system in place, you can go further — stopping mould from forming in the first place.

More Than Cost: It’s About Culture

A prevention-first approach isn’t just about saving money — it’s about changing the dynamic between landlord and resident.

Instead of waiting for problems to be reported (and escalated), housing teams can act ahead of time. That means:

  • Fewer complaints
  • Healthier homes
  • Greater trust and transparency
  • Better alignment with upcoming regulation, like Awaab’s Law

This is where better data makes a real difference — not just on spreadsheets, but in the lives of the people living in the homes you manage.

The Bigger Picture

Switchee’s findings help spotlight a vital issue: that we can’t afford to stick with patch-up approaches any longer. At ResiSure, we agree — and we go one step further. By removing the barriers to install, focusing on high-quality environmental data, and designing a system that’s genuinely usable by housing teams, we’re making prevention not just possible, but practical.

If you’re rethinking your approach to damp and mould — or building a new strategy for compliance, health, and energy — we’d love to share how others are doing it.

*according to Switchee Data