Damp & Mould Assessments
Accredited, evidence-based assessments to help landlords investigate tenant reports and meet their legal obligations.
Supporting Landlords & Letting Agents
When a tenant reports damp or mould, landlords and letting agents need to act quickly, document thoroughly, and demonstrate a structured response. Our accredited damp and mould assessments are designed specifically to support that process — providing an independent, evidence-based investigation that helps you meet your obligations and protect your tenants.
Damp, mould and condensation are complex issues — sitting at the intersection of building performance, ventilation, retrofit activity, occupancy behaviour and vulnerability. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective remedial work, escalating costs, resident dissatisfaction, and most importantly continued health risks. A structured, competent assessment from the outset helps you avoid all of that.
Each assessment is a non-invasive, 2-hour site visit carried out by an Elmhurst Energy accredited Damp and Mould Assessor. Using dedicated software, we conduct structured inspections, capture photographic evidence, and produce clear, traceable reports — creating a consistent and auditable process that supports you in evidencing compliance under Awaab's Law.
Adam is accredited through the Elmhurst Energy Damp and Mould Competency Training & Scheme — developed specifically to address the shortage of competent professionals able to assess damp and mould consistently, proportionately, and at scale. As a Domestic Energy Assessor, Adam already brings a strong understanding of building fabric, ventilation and energy efficiency — all critical factors influencing moisture risk.
Elmhurst Energy accredited assessor
Non-invasive, 2-hour site visit
Evidence-based investigation and documentation
Identifies areas of concern for specialist follow-up
Written report suitable for your records and compliance
Supports Awaab's Law investigation timelines
Understanding Awaab's Law
Awaab's Law — introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 — was named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died in 2020 as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in a social housing property. The law applies in England and Wales and requires social housing landlords to investigate and resolve damp and mould hazards within defined timescales, bringing sharper regulatory scrutiny and a heightened need for defensible, evidence-based reporting.
The government is also progressing plans to extend similar duties to private landlords through the Renters' Rights Bill. A structured approach to competence is no longer optional for any landlord — it is essential.
Emergency Hazards
Where damp or mould presents an immediate risk to health, social landlords are required to begin emergency repairs within 24 hours of the report.
Investigation Timelines
For non-emergency reports, landlords must begin a formal investigation within 14 days of the tenant's report. Our assessment is designed to form a key part of that structured investigation.
Remediation
Following investigation, serious hazards must be remediated within 7 days. Our report highlights areas requiring specialist follow-up, helping you prioritise and instruct the right contractors promptly.
Who This Service Is For
Social Housing Providers
Registered providers and local authorities are directly subject to Awaab's Law. Our assessments provide the structured, documented investigation required by the legislation, with a clear audit trail for your records.
Private Landlords
With Awaab's Law set to extend to the private rented sector, now is the time to establish a proper investigation process. Our assessment helps you respond to tenant reports professionally, protect your property, and demonstrate duty of care.
Letting Agents
Managing properties on behalf of landlords means handling damp and mould reports on the front line. We work alongside agents to provide fast, independent assessments that protect both your clients and your reputation.
What the Assessment Involves
A structured, non-invasive 2-hour visit with a full written report.
Book & Schedule
Contact us with the property details and the nature of the tenant's report. We'll arrange a convenient visit, typically within a few days, to help you meet investigation timelines.
2-Hour Site Visit
Our accredited assessor carries out a thorough, non-invasive inspection of all affected areas — recording evidence of damp, mould, condensation, and contributing factors such as ventilation, heating use, and building fabric.
Evidence Gathered & Analysed
Readings, photographs, and observations are collected systematically to build a clear evidence base. We identify likely causes and classify any areas of concern that warrant further investigation by specialist contractors.
Written Report Delivered
You receive a detailed, traceable written report setting out the findings, identified causes, areas of concern, and recommended next steps. Produced using Elmhurst's dedicated assessment software, the report creates a consistent and auditable record — giving you the defensible evidence needed to demonstrate compliance and respond appropriately on time.
Types of Damp We Assess
Rising Damp
Moisture drawn up from the ground through walls via capillary action. Typically affects ground-floor rooms, leaving salt staining and damage to plasterwork at lower wall levels.
Penetrating Damp
Water entering from outside through walls, roofs, or around windows and doors — often due to cracked mortar, faulty gutters, or damaged sealants. Can appear at any height.
Condensation & Mould Growth
The most common cause of mould in residential properties — resulting from excess moisture in the air, inadequate ventilation, or insufficient heating. Often a key focus of Awaab's Law cases.
Our assessment is non-invasive — we do not open up walls, floors or ceilings. Where our findings indicate that further specialist investigation is required (such as structural surveys or invasive damp testing), we will clearly identify this in our report so you can instruct the appropriate contractor.
Common Questions About Damp Assessments
What is Awaab's Law and who does it apply to?
Awaab's Law was introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. It requires social housing landlords in England and Wales to investigate damp and mould reports within 14 days, remediate serious hazards within 7 days, and address emergency hazards within 24 hours. The government is progressing similar duties for private landlords through the Renters' Rights Bill.
How long does a damp assessment take?
Each assessment is a non-invasive, 2-hour site visit. Our Elmhurst-accredited assessor inspects all affected areas, takes moisture readings, photographs evidence, and documents contributing factors before producing a clear written report.
Is this a structural survey?
No. Our damp and mould assessment is non-invasive — we do not open up walls, floors or ceilings. Where our findings indicate that further specialist investigation is required, such as a structural survey or invasive damp testing, we clearly identify this in our written report.
Who accredits your damp assessments?
Our assessor Adam Charlton is accredited through the Elmhurst Energy Damp and Mould Competency Training & Scheme — developed to address the shortage of competent professionals able to assess damp and mould consistently, proportionately, and at scale.