London councils criticized for poor social housing conditions, including leaks, damp, and mould, leading to increased complaints.
The Housing Ombudsman handles tenant complaints and rules on poor landlord actions, called maladministration. In 2024, London had 404 rulings concerning leaks, damp, and mould, with 97 categorized as ‘severe’ maladministration cases. Over five years, there were 781 total decisions, including 185 severe cases. A campaign highlights rising tenant complaints about damp and mould.
Suzanne Muna advocates for tougher penalties for neglectful landlords. She notes the ombudsman can only “name and shame” and issue minor fines. Tenants currently have little power, and new laws may not significantly change this.
“Awaab’s Law” begins in October, requiring landlords to act fast and fix dangerous damp and mould, addressing 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 adequate budgets, along with sanctions for inaction. Across England, maladministration cases doubled, involving leaks, damp, and mould. 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 by helping tenants report issues easier. However, he noted that some landlords fail consistently, and repairs only happen when the ombudsman intervenes. Landlords sometimes neglect household needs, including health conditions or children.
Lambeth Council had the worst record in London, with 60 maladministration findings. London and Quadrant, one of the UK’s biggest housing groups, had 123 rulings against them, with forty cases classified as ‘severe.’ David Lewis stated that they take damp seriously. London and Quadrant issued apologies and changed complaint handling.
Lambeth Council also apologized for problems, paid compensation, and fixed issues. The council invested millions in homes and launched schemes to combat damp and mould.
The government will enact Awaab’s Law and is determined to transform social housing safety. Landlords must comply, or they will face legal action, and tenants can use the full power of the law.