Last updated on 15th December 2025 by Universal Damp

Bolsover District Council is taking a serious step for tenants’ well-being with the announcement of a Damp and Mould Policy for tenant welfare and protection.

The new policy aims to cover 5,000 council-owned properties, making a proactive move to keep homes safe, habitable, and compliant with today’s housing standards. Universal Damp Solutions has welcomed this step and urges local authorities in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and Greater London to follow Bolsover’s lead by adopting similarly robust measures.

What Does Bolsover’s New Policy Encompass?

The Damp and Mould Policy focuses on detection, treatment, and prevention. Following a thorough Core Stock Condition Survey (SCS), which found Category 1 damp hazards in fewer than 0.5% of homes and addressed them, Bolsover District Council is now taking a preventive approach rather than reacting to issues after they arise.

Key aspects of the policy include:

Communicating with tenants about causes, risks, and how to mitigate damp and mould

Regular inspections and maintenance in line with active servicing routines

Training for housing officers and maintenance teams to identify early warning signs

Compliance with the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and Awaab’s Law, introduced after the tragic death of a child from mould exposure

Why Other Councils Should Follow

1. Health and Safety Comes First: Damp and mould can cause or worsen respiratory issues, especially in vulnerable people such as children, elderly tenants, or those with existing conditions. Awaab’s Law reinforces the importance of proactive damp management. Bolsover’s policy sets an important legal and moral example.

2. Public Confidence in Housing Standards: Universal Damp Solutions frequently hears from homeowners and landlords across the South East who are frustrated by slow or insufficient responses to damp. A clear and enforceable policy like Bolsover’s sends a message that tenants will be taken seriously and action will follow swiftly.

3. Prevention Is Cheaper: Preventive maintenance can significantly reduce long-term building damage, repair costs, and potential legal expenses. Councils across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and London can protect housing stock and budgets by addressing damp issues before they escalate.

The Regional Picture: Are Local Authorities Doing Enough?

Many local authorities in the South East say they have improved housing conditions, but consistent and enforceable policies on damp and mould are still lacking in some areas. In our work across Aylesbury, Watford, St Albans, Oxford, and South London, we continue to see moisture damage that could have been avoided with early intervention and tenant education.

Bolsover’s policy should not be seen as an exceptional standard, but as a foundational one. A clearly defined policy can help:

Standardise inspections and response times

Ensure housing staff are properly trained

Improve tenant understanding of ventilation and damp prevention

Reduce the volume and cost of reactive repairs

Support contractors and specialists with clear procedures and expectations

How Universal Damp Solutions Can Help

We strongly encourage councils and landlords in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and Greater London to adopt a formal Damp and Mould Policy tailored to their housing stock. Universal Damp Solutions is ready to support with:

Damp surveys and detailed condition assessments

Effective remedial works such as tanking, ventilation systems, and waterproofing

Tenant education and support initiatives

Ongoing maintenance strategies and prevention plans

Damp is not just a repair issue. It is a health issue. Bolsover’s policy sets the pace, and now other councils have the opportunity to match that standard and protect tenants with the same diligence and care.

For more information or to speak with a local damp expert, contact Universal Damp Solutions. We proudly serve homeowners, landlords, and housing providers throughout the South East.