Local authority leaders say they will continue driving up social housing standards as regulator finds the vast majority of social housing is free from damp and mould.

Following the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) asked all larger registered providers of social housing to submit evidence about the extent of damp and mould in tenants’ homes and their approach to tackling it.

Drawing on responses from councils and housing associations, the regulator found that less than 0.2% of social homes have the most serious damp and mould problems.

Acknowledging the data is incomplete, the regulator reported that 1-2% have serious damp and mould problems, and a further 3-4% have notable damp and mould.

Fiona MacGregor, chief executive of RSH, said: ‘Tenants deserve quality services and homes that are safe and of a decent standard. Where there are issues, landlords need to act now to put things right, before we start our active consumer regulation including inspections of providers.

‘We expect all providers to continue to look at how they can improve the way they identify and address damp and mould.’

Cllr Darren Rodwell, housing spokesperson at the Local Government Association (LGA), said: ‘Councils continue to fully support efforts to inspect homes and drive up standards in both the social housing and private rented sector. While this study shows that the vast majority of social housing is safe and decent, councils are determined to improve housing conditions for all social and private tenants.

‘The LGA continues to work with professional bodies, as well as the Government, to discuss possible solutions on improving housing standards – including those relating to damp and mould in tenanted properties.’