A survey of 3,982 adults found that 27% are living in homes with damp, mould or cold, with those in the lowest income households nearly twice as likely to be affected
More than a quarter of adults in the UK live in homes affected by damp, mould, or cold conditions, according to a new survey of 3,982 adults commissioned by Health Equals. The research found that people in the lowest-income households are almost twice as likely to live in damp or mouldy homes compared with the wealthiest, with rates of 21% versus 12%. They are also about four times more likely to live in cold homes.
The survey highlights that a fifth of tenants face these issues, rising to 23% in social housing, and nearly half (47%) of affected adults live with children. The campaign group drew attention to the problem with a Christmas display featuring hazmat-style onesies and window vinyls, symbolising the health risks of living in mouldy homes.
TV property expert Martin Roberts, supporting the campaign, said: “After more than two decades visiting thousands of homes across the UK, I’ve seen first-hand how damp, cold and mould can destroy both a property and the wellbeing of the people living in it. It’s not just unsightly, it’s in the very fabric of people’s properties as well as, more importantly, their health. Good housing is the foundation for good health. You can’t expect people to thrive if the very place they’re meant to feel safe is actually making them sick. That’s why I’m proud to support this campaign; because everyone deserves to live in a warm, dry, safe and healthy home.”
Housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa added: “Damp, mould and disrepair are symptoms of a much deeper inequality in this country… Stronger laws to make every landlord take responsibility, proper funding to repair homes, and a cross-government plan to make sure no one’s health is determined by their postcode or income.”
The survey also found that 37% of people live with someone who has an underlying health condition, which could be worsened by substandard housing. While 53% think private landlords should maintain their properties, 76% believe the government must take action to tackle health inequalities.
Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “No one should have to live in a home that harms their health, yet as this new research shows, that is the reality for millions of people in the UK. Living in damp or mouldy housing puts people living with chronic lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at risk of life-threatening flare-ups and means they are more likely to need emergency care. Long-term exposure to mould can also cause lung conditions like asthma in previously healthy individuals. It’s high time for urgent government action to protect the health of the most vulnerable people in our society, ensuring everyone can stay warm and well at home.”
Source: Lincolnshire Live, November 2025
