🏠 NICE Guidance on Damp and Mould (NG149) — Simple Summary

1. Health Risks

• Damp and mould produce spores and irritants that can trigger or worsen respiratory and heart conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and fungal infections, like aspergillosis Link

• They can also affect skin, eyes, and mental wellbeing, especially in vulnerable people such as those with asthma, COPD, babies, pregnant women, and older adults .

2. When Health Issues Worsen

If you experience repeated cough, wheeze, or other breathing issues — and your home has damp or mould — health professionals are advised to:

• Ask about your home conditions

• Help you arrange a housing assessment by the council Link

3. Landlord and Council Responsibilities

Landlords and councils should:

• Act quickly and sensitively when damp or mould is reported — medical proof is not required Link

• Identify and fix the root cause (e.g., faulty guttering leading to mould) — not just clean it off Link.

• Keep clear records, follow up after repairs, and inspect properties periodically to prevent recurrence Link

4. Tenant Health Priority

Homes with serious damp and mould are classed as Category 1 hazards under UK housing law, meaning they pose an immediate health risk. Councils must act — they can enforce repairs, impose notices, or carry out work themselves Link.

5. How You Can Use This with Your Council

• Point to NICE NG149 guidance to emphasise that damp and mould are a legal and health priority.

• Remind them that action must be urgent, especially for people with lung conditions.

• Ask them to identify and fix the cause, not just scrub the mould — like ensuring guttering is repaired and mould-prone areas are treated and dried.

• Ask for a follow-up inspection to confirm the problem is resolved.

📩 Suggested Wording to Share with Your Council

“According to NICE guidance (NG149), damp and mould in homes are considered serious health hazards — especially for people with lung conditions like aspergillosis. Councils and landlords must act quickly to fix the root cause, not just remove visible mould. These guidelines recognise that even without medical proof, urgent action is required to protect tenants’ health.”