London councils face scrutiny for poor housing conditions, including leaks, damp, and mould, with increased tenant complaints.
The Housing Ombudsman handles tenant complaints and rules on poor landlord actions, termed maladministration. In 2024, London had 404 rulings concerning leaks, damp, and mould. Ninety-seven of these were ‘severe’ maladministration cases.
Over five years, there were 781 total decisions, with 185 cases labeled as severe. A campaign notes rising tenant complaints related to damp and mould.
Suzanne Muna advocates for tougher penalties for neglectful landlords. She points out that the ombudsman can only “name and shame” and issue minor fines, leaving tenants with little power. She is worried new laws may not change this.
“Awaab’s Law” begins in October, requiring landlords to act fast to fix dangerous damp and mould. Landlords must address emergency hazards within 24 hours. This law is named for Awaab Ishaak, whose tragic death was caused by damp and mould.
Muna wants more council homes staffed with budgets. She argues sanctions are needed when staff do not act. Across England, maladministration cases involving leaks, damp, and mould have doubled.
Findings rose from 893 in 2023 to 1,739 last year, and severe cases increased from 237 to 354. Housing associations were at fault 1,062 times, while local authorities had 673 findings.
Richard Blakeway says landlords are improving how they help tenants report issues easier. However, he also noted some landlords consistently fail, and repairs happen only when the ombudsman intervenes.
Landlords sometimes neglect household needs, particularly those related to health conditions or children. Lambeth Council performed the worst in London, with 60 maladministration findings.
London and Quadrant, one of the UK’s biggest housing groups, had 123 rulings against them, forty of which were ‘severe’. David Lewis stated that they take damp seriously.
London and Quadrant issued apologies and changed their complaint handling processes. Lambeth Council apologized for problems, paid compensation, and fixed issues.
Lambeth invested millions in homes and launched schemes to combat damp and mould.
The government will bring Awaab’s Law into action, determined to transform social housing safety. To guarantee its efficacy, landlords must comply, or they will face legal action, ensuring tenants can use its full power.