Pin Point - 24 October 2025
Damp and Mould Action & Awareness
MDDC are proud to support the return of the national Damp & Mould action and awareness week by encouraging landlords to take proactive steps to identify and resolve damp and mould in your properties.
Why is damp and mould in the home a problem?
Damp and mould mainly affect peoples airways and lungs, but also eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. Living in damp and mouldy conditions can also affect mental health because of the health worries, unpleasant living conditions, and destruction of property and belongings, among other concerns.
Its important to remember that everyone is vulnerable to the health impacts of damp and mould, but people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of severe illness.
And...it costs money
Research shows the NHS spends an estimated £1.4 billion a year on treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp housing. When wider societal costs such as ongoing healthcare are taken into consideration, the figure leaps to £15.4 billion(Health inequalities: Cold or damp homes - House of Commons Library).
Damp and mould can damage the fabric of your property and its contents leading to costly repairs. Don't forget that Local authorities can use a range of enforcement measures under the Housing Act 2004 to deal with hazards found in private rental homes. These include improvement notices, hazard awareness notices and emergency remedial action. Since 2016, local authorities have also had the option to issue civil penalty notices instead of pursuing prosecution for certain housing offences.
Advice and assistance for managing and reducing damp and mould.
Government guidance provides comprehensive advice for landlords about the issue and how to manage it: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK.
Healthy Homes for Wellbeing: Home Energy Advisers will provide practical energy advice and support with the aim of helping as many residents save money and stay warm in their homes
Energy Boost Mid Devon is a partnership project between ECOE Advice and Mid Devon District Council. Funded by the Council’s climate change and sustainability budget, it boosts expert advice available to Mid Devon homes and it provides a £15,000 Energy Efficiency Fund to help those who can least afford the home improvements.
Retrofit Advice Home Visits - available for a limited time only, ECOE Advice offer free 60-90 minute long retrofit advice home visits in Mid-Devon District. These visits are designed to give some initial information on the points named below relevant to your home. A short write up of what has been discussed, and potential next steps will follow. Carrying out retrofit work can:
- Reduce property running costs
- Save carbon emissions
- Improve comfort levels
- Improve indoor air quality
- Reduce risk of condensation and mould
- Futureproof your property, getting it ready for energy storage or demand response