Fact sheet: Damp, condensation and mould in residential property

The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee inquiry into housing conditions in England focuses on the proposed extension of the Decent Homes Standard and the application of Awaab’s Law across social housing and the private rented sector (PRS). Evidence gathered from Propertymark members demonstrates why current initiatives do not go far enough to drive up standards or consistently protect tenants. Reforms must be proportionate, backed by strong enforcement, and packaged with meaningful support for agents and their landlords.

Hackney Council is consulting on plans to introduce two new five-year licensing schemes in the private rented sector (PRS) from early 2026, arguing that they will improve standards. Propertymark supports the aim of raising housing standards, but we strongly urge Hackney and other local authorities to rethink their approach. A healthy PRS is fundamental to meeting growing housing demand, and under-resourced licensing schemes too often end up penalising good landlords and agents while allowing poor practice to persist.

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee continues its inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and quizzed Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP), who said that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will do more to unblock delays and improve collaboration with industry.