Approximately 15 million people, or 28% of the UK population, report living in homes with problems related to damp, mould, or being cold, according to recent research commissioned by Health Equals. This issue disproportionately affects renters, those in low-income households, and residents in regions like the West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber, significantly impacting public health.
The Scale of the UK’s Housing Crisis: Facts and Figures
New data highlights the significant impact of poor housing conditions on millions across the United Kingdom. Health Equals, a campaign dedicated to improving health inequalities, has revealed alarming figures from a nationally representative survey of nearly 4,000 people conducted in October 2025. This research underscores that the issue of damp, mould, and cold homes is a major public health concern, not just a matter of structural inconvenience.
The headline figure shows that 28% of adults surveyed reported living in homes with condensation, damp, mould problems, or struggling to keep their living rooms comfortably warm during winter. Based on 2022 ONS mid-year estimates for the UK adult population, this percentage translates to roughly 15.5 million people experiencing these health-harming conditions.
Regional Disparities
The problem of poor housing is not evenly distributed across the UK, revealing stark regional inequalities.
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In the West Midlands, the rate of people reporting these issues soars to 42%.
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Yorkshire and the Humber also shows a significantly higher prevalence at 39%.
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Even in the North West, over a third of people are living in homes that could cause illness, highlighting a widespread geographical challenge.
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Furthermore, people living in Greater London with damp or mould issues were more likely (75%) to require medical treatment for related symptoms compared to the national average (61%).
Income and Tenure Gaps
Socio-economic factors are strongly correlated with housing quality, demonstrating that the burden falls hardest on the most vulnerable.
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Low-Income Households: People from the lowest income households are almost twice as likely to report damp or mould issues (21% versus 12%) and are a staggering four times as likely to live in a cold home (25% versus 6%) compared to the highest income households.
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Renters: There is a clear divide based on housing tenure. 21% of all renters report problems with damp or mould, and this rises slightly to 23% for those in rented social housing. This suggests that market forces and the quality of private and social rented stock are major drivers of poor health outcomes.
Impact on Families
The data also paints a concerning picture for families with children. Nearly half (47%) of adults who report issues like damp or mould also have dependent children under 18 living with them. This exposure puts the youngest members of society at greater risk of developing or worsening existing health conditions.
The Health Consequences of Poor Housing
The presence of damp, mould, and cold is far more than an aesthetic or comfort problem; it is a direct threat to health. Prolonged exposure to these conditions is known to cause or exacerbate a range of serious health issues:
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Respiratory Symptoms: Including coughing, wheezing, and is a major trigger for flare-ups in existing chronic lung conditions such as asthma and COPD. Long-term exposure to mould can even cause lung conditions in previously healthy individuals.
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Cardiovascular Issues: Such as heart palpitations.
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Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression are commonly reported, as dealing with a persistent and health-harming living environment is emotionally draining.
The human cost is evident in the fact that 47% of people who have experienced damp or mould have reported related symptoms (respiratory, cardiovascular, or mental health) for someone in their household. Of these, 61% stated that someone required medical treatment, and for families, these issues lead to tangible societal costs: 28% reported missing work themselves, and 31% said their children had missed school.
The tragic case of Awaab Ishak, whose death was linked to non-decent housing, serves as a stark and fatal example of the ultimate risks involved.
The Call for Action
Experts and campaigners, including Health Equals and its members like Asthma + Lung UK, are calling for urgent, coordinated government action to address this crisis. The core aim is to establish good quality housing as a key building block of health for everyone in the UK.
Key measures being advocated include:
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Enforcing Awaab’s Law: Requiring all landlords, not just social landlords, to respond promptly to life-threatening hazards.
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Phasing in the Decent Home Standard: Enforcing this standard across all private rented homes well before 2035.
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Introducing a Warm Homes Plan: Specifically designed to reduce fuel poverty, improve warmth, and repair homes for those in greatest need.
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Setting a Cross-Government Target: Aiming to halve the number of ‘non-decent’ homes across all housing tenures and regions within the next decade.
Addressing the crisis of cold, damp, and mouldy homes is fundamental to tackling the wider health inequalities that currently see lives cut short by up to 16 years across the UK. Therefore, improving the quality of domestic environments through better regulation, support, and efficient ventilation systems is critical for the nation’s well-being.
The prevalence of damp, mould, and cold homes impacting over 15 million UK residents demonstrates a profound public health emergency rooted in inequality, demanding immediate regulatory intervention and improved housing standards to protect vulnerable families.
28% of the UK population live in damp, mouldy, or cold homes(Reported 27 October 2025)