Year-on-year mould complaints in the UK increased by up to 17.7% in the 2023–24 financial year, according to the Mouldy Nation 2025 Report by Uswitch. This rise is linked to damp conditions exacerbated by poor ventilation, rising energy costs, and outdated housing stock. Housing associations and local authorities reported over 16,000 complaints between 2019 and 2024, with the North West and Yorkshire seeing the sharpest increases.
Understanding the 17.7% Surge in Mould Complaints
The Data Behind the Crisis
The Uswitch report highlights a clear upward trend in mould-related grievances:
- Local authorities: 5,138 complaints (32.8 per 10,000 units), up 16.4% year-on-year.
- Housing associations: 10,960 complaints (37.5 per 10,000 units).
- Regional hotspots: Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds accounted for 23% of all complaints, driven by ageing terraced housing and persistent damp.
This aligns with broader findings: 60% of UK households now report mould issues, up from 58% in 2024. Privately rented properties (28% of cases) and owner-occupied homes (43%) are equally vulnerable.
Why Is Mould Spreading Faster Than Ever?
Three interconnected factors explain the surge:
- Poor Ventilation
- The airtight home paradox: Modern energy-efficient upgrades (double glazing, insulation) trap moisture indoors. Without mechanical ventilation, humidity lingers.
- Key culprits: Bathrooms and kitchens generate 14 litres of moisture daily in an average household.
- Fuel Poverty and Heating Costs
- 82% of affected households struggled to afford adequate heating.
- Energy price caps rose 6% in 2024, forcing many to ration heating and worsen condensation.
- Structural Issues in Housing Stock
- Pre-1960s homes: 40% of UK properties lack damp-proof courses or modern ventilation.
- Social housing: 1 in 4 council homes require urgent repairs to roofing, guttering, or plumbing.
How to Combat Mould: A 360° Approach
VENTI’s three-step strategy tackles root causes while empowering residents:
1. Clean and Treat
- MAXAM Pura+: This non-toxic treatment encapsulates mould spores for safe removal and leaves an antimicrobial barrier to prevent regrowth.
- Case study: A Leeds housing association reduced recurrent mould cases by 61% after adopting this system.
2. Fix and Ventilate
- Mechanical ventilation solutions:
- Cost savings: Proper ventilation cuts heating bills by 15–20% by reducing humidity.
3. Connect and Monitor
- COSIE homes: Wireless sensors track temperature/humidity and alert landlords/residents via AI-driven algorithms.
- Proactive alerts: 89% of mould outbreaks are preventable if addressed within 72 hours of detection.
For lasting protection against mould, invest in intelligent ventilation solutions and real-time monitoring – explore VENTI’s tailored systems today.
Year-on-year mould complaints in the UK increased by up to 17.7%(Reported 14 January 2025)