Birmingham Council Grapples with Over 50,000 Damp and Mould Complaints
Birmingham City Council has been inundated with more than 50,000 complaints regarding damp, condensation, and mould in residential properties over the past five years. This staggering figure highlights a persistent and severe housing crisis affecting countless tenants across the city.
Alarming Statistics and Health Implications
The council received a total of 50,513 complaints from January 2021 to February 2026, averaging 866 complaints per 1,000 homes. These issues are not merely cosmetic; they pose significant health risks, with damp and mould-related problems costing the National Health Service over £1.4 billion each year. Private GP clinic Midland Health uncovered these numbers through a Freedom of Information request, shedding light on the dire situation.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, emphasized the urgency of the matter. "Social housing is an essential lifeline for millions of people, especially vulnerable children and adults," she stated. "Everyone deserves a safe, healthy home, whether they rent from a council, a housing association or a private landlord."
Council Response and Ongoing Challenges
Birmingham City Council had previously committed to addressing more than 4,000 of the worst cases through a £15 million programme. However, residents continue to report desperate circumstances, indicating that the response has been insufficient. A council spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating, "No one should have to live in a home with damp and mould, and we take all reports of these issues extremely seriously — particularly where they may affect a resident’s health."
The council is investing over £200 million annually to improve housing conditions, with 35,000 upgrades completed across 6,000 homes in the past year. Despite these efforts, many properties still require significant improvements, and the council aims to achieve full compliance with Decent Homes Standards by 2032.
Shared Responsibilities and Legal Framework
Dr Parmar highlighted the shared responsibilities in tackling damp and mould. "Landlords, councils and tenants all have duties here," she explained. "If a problem comes from structural issues like leaks or poor ventilation, it’s on the landlord to fix it. But tenants also have a responsibility to report issues so they can be dealt with."
With Awaab’s Law now in effect, which holds landlords accountable for timely responses to damp and mould, there is a renewed push for collaborative action. Dr Parmar urged MPs to amplify the issue and foster cooperation among landlords, health services, and tenants to ensure no family endures unsafe living conditions.
Health Risks and Preventive Measures
Living in damp or mouldy environments can severely impact health, particularly for children and the elderly. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and exacerbated asthma. To mitigate risks, tenants are advised to:
- Keep rooms well ventilated by opening windows or using fans.
- Wipe away condensation regularly.
- Report problems immediately to landlords or the council.
The council encourages proactive reporting and emphasizes that more funding and long-term support are essential to reduce response times and address the root causes of these housing issues.
