The council is dealing with a “significant increase” in cases following the passing of Awaab’s Law

Damp and mould remains a persistent issue in Portsmouth, with concerns that some council tenants do not report problems “because they think it’s their fault”.

Portsmouth City Council received 1,941 damp and mould cases during 2025/26, with a further 2,932 recorded up to July 2026.

However, only 92 cases were identified through investigation as presenting a significant hazard.

Condensation accounted for 72 per cent of cases, while 18 per cent were attributed to external leaks, nine per cent to internal leaks and one per cent to rising damp.

The council attended 56 per cent of all damp and mould cases within its 10 working day target during 2025/26.

However, nearly 73 per cent of inspections for the 92 higher risk cases were completed within the 10 day timeframe.

Officers said the council has had a “difficult time” dealing with a “significant increase” in cases reported by residents and identified through stock condition surveys.

Landport had the highest proportion of damp and mould reports, which officers attributed to its less traditionally constructed homes.

A quarter of households identified as overcrowded experienced damp and mould during the year.

While overcrowding was not identified as the primary driver, it can exacerbate existing problems by increasing moisture and reducing ventilation.

Greg Anderson, from the residents’ consortium, said “a lot of residents don’t report damp and mould because they think it’s their fault”.

Councillor Mary Vallely argued that standards around condensation should be included in the council’s tenancy agreement.

The council adopted a new damp and mould policy in October 2025 following the passing of Awaab’s Law.

The legislation was named after Awaab Ishak, a two year old who died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family home in Rochdale in 2020.

Councillor Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing, said the council is dealing with capped income, uncapped costs and increasing regulations.

He reminded the meeting that the new rules “came about because a child died – the coroner said the government what are you going to do about it and this is the result”.

The cabinet also approved a health and safety homes policy to meet the second phase of Awaab’s Law.

The next phase, coming into effect on November 30, will cover hazards including falls on stairs, structural collapse, fire and explosions, electrical hazards and domestic hygiene.

A third phase is expected in 2027 and will cover hazards including asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, water supply issues, lighting, noise, collision and entrapment risks, falling elements and intruder access.

You can report damp and mould in a council property through the Portsmouth City Council Repairs Reporting Portal or by contacting the customer repairs team via email at [email protected] or phone at 023 9284 1311.