As the colder temperatures of autumn and winter roll in, and with households across the country struggling to heat their homes, housing providers will be preparing to handle more damp and mould cases.
In response to the tragic death of Awaab Iwaab, a two-year-old from Rochdale who died due to a respiratory condition brought on by extensive mould, the guidance from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (now MHCLG) was clear: “Where people complain about damp and mould, you must listen; where you find them, you must take prompt action”. Specific timelines for response to such issues will be included in “Awaabs Law”, which is set to become law in the next parliamentary session.
Making reporting easier
At the heart of this challenge is the need for tenants to have accessible, user-friendly channels to report damp and mould issues to their providers.
Historically, the processes for reporting such problems can be cumbersome, with tenants telling us that their reports of damp and mould aren’t answered quickly enough. The delay in acknowledging and responding to the issue can exacerbate it, leading to more severe problems and endangerment of residents’ health.
A streamlined, easily accessible reporting system is crucial. It empowers residents to report issues as soon as they arise, enabling landlords to respond more promptly to and track the issue pre and post-repair.
In a digital age, where most people are accustomed to instant communication and service access, housing providers must offer tools that meet these expectations. Our new Damp and Mould module has been designed with this in mind—providing a simple, stress-free process for residents to report damp issues 24/7, including the ability to upload photos, add details, and schedule inspections.
Leveraging AI to enhance triage and inspection processes
The introduction of AI into the triage and inspection process marks a significant advancement in how damp and mould issues can be handled. With our Damp and Mould module, AI assists service teams in assessing the severity of reported issues, utilising computer vision to analyse images submitted by residents, flagging the most severe cases. This allows housing repair teams to prioritise their response to these cases more efficiently, ensuring they are addressed promptly and in line with the timelines mandated by Awaab’s Law.
Enhancing resident experience and compliance through innovation
By making it easier for residents to report damp and mould issues, and by ensuring these reports are handled swiftly and efficiently, housing providers can significantly improve the quality of life for their tenants. This is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about building trust and demonstrating a commitment to resident wellbeing.
Our new Damp and Mould module embodies this commitment. It offers a seamless, end-to-end solution that integrates reporting, triage, and inspection into a single, user-friendly platform. For housing managers and repairs teams concerned about how to effectively manage damp and mould cases, this module represents a step forward.
Learn more about our new Damp and Mould module here.
About the Author
Chris Cottrell
Senior Product Manager at Made Tech
Chris is a product expert with a decade of experience across marketing, delivery, and product management. His passion lies in building user-centred services that deliver key results for clients.
