One in four Brits living in damp and mouldy homes – with children at risk

A survey of 3,982 adults found that 27% are living in homes with damp, mould or cold, with those in the lowest income households nearly twice as likely to be affected

More than a quarter of adults are living in homes afflicted by dampness, mould or cold conditions, according to a new report.

The survey, involving 3,982 adults, found that those in the poorest income households are almost twice as likely to reside in homes suffering from damp and mould compared to those in the wealthiest income brackets, with rates at 21% versus 12%. They’re also roughly four times more likely to occupy a cold home.

The research, commissioned by Health Equals, shows that a fifth of tenants struggle with problems like dampness or mould – a figure that rises to 23% for those in social housing. Worryingly, 47% of adults living in these circumstances have youngsters sharing the same surroundings.

In a bid to highlight this crisis, the campaign organisation mounted an unusual display for Christmas shoppers, showcasing hazmat onesies as though they were available to buy.

Vinyl stickers on the window highlighted how many UK homes are riddled with life-threatening mould or damp, as the Hazmat loungewear suits offer an absurd solution to the real problem millions of Brits face in their own homes today.

TV property expert Martin Roberts, who teamed up with the campaign group for the activation, said: “After more than two decades visiting thousands of homes across the UK, I’ve seen first-hand how damp, cold and mould can destroy both a property and the wellbeing of the people living in it.

“It’s not just unsightly, it’s in the very fabric of people’s properties as well as, more importantly, their health. Good housing is the foundation for good health. You can’t expect people to thrive if the very place they’re meant to feel safe is actually making them sick.

“That’s why I’m proud to support this campaign; because everyone deserves to live in a warm, dry, safe and healthy home.”

The campaign is also backed by housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa, who said: “Damp, mould and disrepair are symptoms of a much deeper inequality in this country.

“I’ve spent years meeting families who are trying to raise their children in homes that would fail even the most basic standards – properties that landlords or councils should have fixed long ago.

“That’s why this campaign is so important. It doesn’t just highlight the problem; it’s demanding real change.

“Stronger laws to make every landlord take responsibility, proper funding to repair homes, and a cross-government plan to make sure no one’s health is determined by their postcode or income.”

The research also found that 37% of people live with someone who has an underlying health condition, such as asthma or heart failure, which could be worsened by substandard living conditions.

Approximately half (53%) believe private landlords should maintain privately rented properties, but an overwhelming 76% agree the government needs to intervene with a strategy to address health inequalities.

Dr Andy Whittamore, a practising GP and Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK, part of Health Equals, stated: “No one should have to live in a home that harms their health, yet as this new research shows, that is the reality for millions of people in the UK.

“Living in damp or mouldy housing puts people living with chronic lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at risk of life-threatening flare-ups and means they are more likely to need emergency care.

“Long-term exposure to mould can also cause lung conditions like asthma in previously healthy individuals.

“It’s high time for urgent government action to protect the health of the most vulnerable people in our society, ensuring everyone can stay warm and well at home.”