Social housing providers face a growing challenge: how to move beyond box-ticking compliance and deliver real, lasting safety for residents....
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Why Social Housing Needs a Transformative Overhaul
Why Social Housing Needs a Transformative Overhaul—and How Data-Driven Solutions Like MouldSense Can Help
Complaints about substandard living conditions in England’s social housing have soared by 474% in just five years (Housing Ombudsman Spotlight Report, 2025). The Housing Ombudsman is now calling for a transformative overhaul, urging the sector to put residents’ wellbeing first and embrace smarter, more proactive ways of working.
A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight
Behind every number is a real story—a family living with damp, mould, or endless repair delays. In 2023, an estimated 1.5 million children in England lived in a non-decent home, nearly one in five of those in social housing. This is not just a housing problem; it’s a public health and social justice issue (Local Government Lawyer, 2025).
Despite record spending—£9bn on repairs and maintenance last year—the outcomes are not matching the investment. The Ombudsman highlighted £3.4 million paid in compensation for poor living conditions in the past year alone, with 72% of complaints identified as poor practice. The root causes range from patchwork fixes to poor record keeping and a lack of proactive intervention.
Why a Culture Shift and Predictive Maintenance Are Essential
The Ombudsman’s recommendations are clear: we need a cultural shift, not just more box-ticking. Landlords should move from reactive to predictive maintenance, treat residents as individuals rather than “stock”, and strengthen communication and accountability at every level.
This is where technology comes into its own—giving landlords the tools to anticipate problems, intervene promptly, and rebuild trust with residents.
MouldSense: Proactive Damp and Mould Protection
At Vericon Systems, we believe tackling damp and mould requires real-time insight and action. MouldSense is our dedicated solution designed specifically for social landlords. It provides continuous monitoring of key environmental conditions in the home, alerting you to issues before they escalate. This enables rapid, targeted interventions that protect resident health and avoid the cycle of repeat complaints.
With MouldSense, landlords can:
- Proactively identify properties at risk of damp and mould
- Act swiftly to resolve issues before they affect residents’ health
- Demonstrate compliance with new legislation such as Awaab’s Law
- Reduce unnecessary callouts and disruption
- Build a defensible, auditable record for every intervention
To support housing providers, we’ve created a comprehensive guide explaining your legal obligations around damp and mould—and how MouldSense helps you meet them. Download your copy here: Breathe Easy: Your Essential Guide to Awaab’s Law Compliance.
Leading the Change
The Ombudsman’s call for change is about more than fixing leaks—it’s about restoring dignity and safety to every home. MouldSense gives housing providers the evidence, insight, and confidence to move from reactive repairs to proactive, resident-focused management.
Let’s not wait for the next headline. If you’re ready to protect your residents and stay ahead of the law, we’re here to help.
Discover more about MouldSense and download your free guide to compliance today.
Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week Returns
Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week will return for its second year from 20–26 October. For housing providers, this is more than a date in the diary—it’s a call to action. The underlying problems haven’t disappeared. In fact, with over 25,000 complaints about damp and mould made to councils in 2024—a 35% increase on the previous year—expectations have never been higher (UK Meds).
The Stakes: Resident Health and Legal Compliance
Last year’s inaugural Awareness Week united landlords, tenants and housing officials to tackle a problem that costs the NHS more than £2.5 billion annually (Specification Online). But the urgency remains. With Awaab’s Law coming into force, social landlords will be legally required to investigate and rectify dangerous damp and mould within strict timeframes—emergencies must be dealt with inside 24 hours (BBC; Clyde & Co). These rules are about more than just compliance: they’re about protecting lives and restoring trust.
Year Two: Progress, but More to Do
Since last year’s campaign, many landlords have improved reporting processes, invested in better ventilation, and piloted new technology solutions like humidity sensors. But rising complaint numbers show there’s work still to be done. Government guidance is clear: landlords must quickly establish the source of damp, act to resolve it, and keep residents informed throughout (GOV.UK).
What Works: Best Practice for Lasting Change
- Data-driven Monitoring: Utilise IoT sensors and real-time monitoring to identify issues before they escalate. Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent health risks and property damage (Vericon Systems).
- Prompt, Transparent Response: Landlords should respond within 14 days to reports of mould, with clear communication on next steps (No Letting Go).
- Resident Engagement: Educate residents on day-to-day actions like ventilation, while ensuring they feel able to report issues. Collaborative relationships lead to better outcomes (Moore Tibbits).
- Legal Readiness: Stay ahead of compliance deadlines for Awaab’s Law. Ensure your policies, processes, and record-keeping are up to date (Universal Damp).
Vericon’s Commitment: Technology and Expertise to Support You
At Vericon, we’re proud to help landlords on their compliance journey—whether through IoT-connected technology, practical guidance, or supporting organisations like Plus Dane Housing to stay ahead of changing rules (Vericon Systems). Our solutions don’t just collect data—they provide actionable insight, help you evidence compliance, and keep residents safe.
Time to Act: Download Your Free Compliance Guide
Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week is the ideal opportunity to review your processes, renew your commitment to residents, and ensure your organisation is ready for the new legal landscape. To support you on this journey, we’ve created BREATHE EASY: Your Essential Guide to Awaab’s Law Compliance—a comprehensive, practical guide to understanding your obligations and how Vericon’s MouldSense technology can help you meet them.
Download your free copy now and make this year the one where awareness truly leads to action: BREATHE EASY: Your Essential Guide to Awaab’s Law Compliance (PDF)
If you’d like to discuss how Vericon can support your compliance journey or have questions about MouldSense, get in touch—we’re here to help.
Let’s turn awareness into tangible progress. Together, we can make homes healthier for everyone.
Our Partnership with EnviroVent: Transforming Social Housing Through Intelligent Ventilation Management
EnviroVent, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and installers of ventilation systems, has partnered with Vericon to revolutionise property management across the social housing sector. As a result of this strategic collaboration, we’re combining our intelligent monitoring technology with EnviroVent’s proven ventilation solutions to address the unprecedented challenges in managing property conditions and meeting regulatory requirements.
Why This Partnership Matters
Initially, the introduction of Awaab’s Law highlighted the critical importance of proactive property management. Consequently, our partnership with EnviroVent creates a comprehensive solution that enables social housing providers to stay ahead of potential issues whilst ensuring resident wellbeing.
Through advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, our platform delivers real-time visibility of environmental conditions within each property. This intelligent monitoring system doesn’t just collect data – it learns and adapts, providing predictive maintenance alerts that help prevent issues before they impact residents.
The integration of our technology with EnviroVent’s solutions allows property managers to receive instant alerts when humidity levels rise, enabling swift, proactive responses. This automated monitoring and reporting system creates comprehensive audit trails, supporting regulatory compliance whilst streamlining property management processes.
The Power of Integration
Our unique Community Learning approach, combined with EnviroVent’s 35+ years of ventilation expertise, creates a solution that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The system continuously monitors environmental conditions, but more importantly, it translates this data into actionable insights that drive better decision-making.
Key benefits for housing providers include:
- Real-time environmental monitoring and alerts
- AI-powered analytics and predictive maintenance
- Comprehensive compliance documentation
- Enhanced resident satisfaction through proactive management
Supporting Social Value
This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to bridge the gap between technology and social value. By combining our intelligent monitoring capabilities with EnviroVent’s ventilation solutions, we’re helping create healthier living environments whilst reducing maintenance costs through predictive analytics.
The integration allows housing providers to take a truly proactive approach to property management. Rather than waiting for issues to develop, our system identifies potential problems early, enabling intervention before they impact resident wellbeing. This approach not only improves living conditions but also helps housing providers meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
Looking Forward
As Bernard Cook, our Managing Director, notes: “Connected technologies and solutions are key to improving residents’ living environment. We are pleased to be partnering with EnviroVent, combining their ventilation expertise and leading products with our intelligent, data-driven monitoring systems to provide landlords with a comprehensive and proactive approach to ventilation management.”
This partnership represents more than just a technological integration – it’s a commitment to improving living conditions across the social housing sector. Through the combination of smart technology and proven ventilation solutions, we’re helping create more efficient, sustainable, and comfortable homes for residents.
Ready to learn more about how this partnership can transform your property management?
Alternatively, contact our team today on 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Addressing Critical Inspection Failings | Awaab’s Law
The countdown to Awaab’s Law implementation in October 2025 has begun, and recent findings from the Housing Ombudsman have revealed critical failings in social housing inspections. These findings come at a crucial time, as Awaab’s Law will soon require social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould issues within strict timeframes.
The legislation, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who tragically died from exposure to mould in 2020, represents a watershed moment for social housing safety standards. However, the Ombudsman’s latest report highlights systemic inspection failures that must be addressed before Awaab’s Law takes effect.
Understanding Awaab’s Law Compliance Challenges
The report reveals distressing cases where inspection failures have directly impacted residents’ health. In one instance, a baby required an inhaler due to exposure to damp and mould after a landlord failed to conduct proper inspections. Another case saw children sleeping on the floor for two years because their bedroom had become uninhabitable.
Four Critical Inspection Failings Under Awaab’s Law
Incomplete or Missing Inspections
The Ombudsman identified that many properties either weren’t inspected at all or received inadequate assessments. Our HomeHub system addresses this fundamental requirement of Awaab’s Law by conducting environmental assessments every five minutes. This continuous monitoring ensures housing providers maintain constant oversight, identifying potential issues before they become hazardous.
Conflicting Inspection Results
With Awaab’s Law implementation approaching, conflicting inspection results present a significant compliance risk. Our Surveyor Cube eliminates this issue by providing consistent, accurate data that can’t be misinterpreted. This standardised approach ensures all stakeholders work from the same reliable dataset, crucial for Awaab’s Law compliance.
Disconnect Between Recommendations and Actions
Under Awaab’s Law, housing providers must act promptly on identified issues. Our integrated platform ensures recommendations are properly logged, tracked, and acted upon within the timeframes that Awaab’s Law will mandate. The system maintains a clear audit trail of all identified issues, recommended actions, and completed works.
Poor Communication with Residents
Awaab’s Law emphasises the importance of resident communication. Our HomeHub interface revolutionises this aspect by providing transparent, real-time data access. This aligns perfectly with Awaab’s Law requirements for clear, timely communication with residents about property conditions and remedial actions.
Preparing for Awaab’s Law Implementation
As the October 2025 deadline for Awaab’s Law approaches, the social housing sector must embrace solutions that address these systemic failures. The tragic case of Awaab Ishak demonstrates why traditional inspection methods are no longer sufficient to ensure resident safety and wellbeing.
Our integrated approach combines:
- Continuous environmental monitoring aligned with Awaab’s Law requirements
- Automated alerts for potential compliance issues
- Comprehensive data management for Awaab’s Law reporting
- Clear tracking of recommendations and completed works
- Transparent communication with residents – HomeHub
- Detailed audit trails for compliance documentation
Meeting Awaab’s Law Requirements Through Technology
Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway emphasises that under Awaab’s Law, “communication with residents must be open, specific and accurate.” Our solutions are specifically designed to meet these Awaab’s Law requirements, facilitating unprecedented transparency and accountability.
The seven-month countdown to Awaab’s Law implementation means housing providers must act now. By implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions, they can ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law while protecting residents’ health and wellbeing.
Future-Proofing Social Housing Under Awaab’s Law
The implementation of Awaab’s Law represents more than just new legislation—it’s an opportunity to transform how we approach social housing safety. Our technology provides the tools needed to not only comply with Awaab’s Law but to exceed its requirements, creating safer homes for everyone.
Don’t wait for Awaab’s Law to highlight the importance of proper property monitoring and maintenance. The solutions for comprehensive Awaab’s Law compliance are available today—let’s use them to prevent future tragedies and create better living conditions for all residents.
To learn more about Awaab’s Law or discuss how our secure IoT solutions can benefit your organisation, contact our team today on 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
G15 Recognition and Trust
We are proud to announce our specification as the heating management system provider for one of London’s prestigious G15 housing associations, delivering unmatched functionality and analytics. This endorsement from one of the capital’s largest housing groups reinforces Vericon’s position as the heating management benchmark in the social housing sector.
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon can benefit your housing projects call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
Your Awaab’s Law Compliance Journey Starts with Vericon
Executive Summary
Housing providers must implement robust monitoring and response systems to meet Awaab’s Law requirements. Vericon offers a complete solution to achieve and maintain compliance whilst protecting both properties and residents.
The Vericon Systems’ Solution
Our technology provides:
- Real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity
- Ensures regulatory compliance
- Automated compliance documentation including images
- Data-driven insights for preventative maintenance
Awaab’s Law, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, requires stringent measures to address damp and mould issues in social housing. This legislation demands immediate action to ensure tenant safety and property integrity.
Understanding the Damp and Mould Mandate
Under Awaab’s Law, social housing providers must:
- Investigate damp and mould complaints within 14 days
- Begin necessary repairs within 7 days after assessment
- Respond to emergencies within 24 hours
Failure to act promptly can lead to regulatory penalties and resident health risks.
Vericon Systems: Your Partner in Compliance
Vericon Systems offers cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the damp and mould compliance needs of Awaab’s Law. Our technology ensures you can efficiently manage and mitigate these issues across your housing portfolio.
Real-Time Monitoring for Damp and Mould
Our IoT-connected sensors continuously monitor humidity and temperature levels, providing early warnings of potential damp and mould conditions. This real-time data allows you to act before minor issues escalate.
Proactive Maintenance with Data-Driven Insights
Our analytics platform processes environmental data to highlight at-risk properties. This enables you to:- Prioritise repairs and maintenance
- Allocate resources efficiently
- Prevent damp-related health hazards
Streamlined Compliance Documentation
Vericon’s system automates record-keeping for all damp and mould investigations and remedial actions, ensuring you meet regulatory requirements effortlessly:- Track investigation timelines and outcomes
- Document repair schedules and completions with images
- Maintain clear communication records with tenants
- Environmental data is recorded and stored to your online portal
Advancing Social Housing Management
As you navigate the regulatory landscape in 2025, Vericon Systems ensures you stay compliant whilst enhancing tenant satisfaction. Our solutions are designed with the social housing sector in mind, offering both compliance and operational efficiencies.Take Action Against Damp and Mould
Choose Vericon for:- Comprehensive damp and mould monitoring
- Instant data avalible after install
- Automated compliance reporting
- Proactive alerts and maintenance planning
- Robust AI data analytics
- Photographic image recording
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Compliance
Our IoT devices transform your approach to damp and mould management from reactive to proactive, ensuring you stay ahead of potential issues whilst maintaining full compliance.
By partnering with Vericon Systems, you gain:
- Peace of mind through continuous environmental monitoring
- Confidence in meeting regulatory requirements
- Protection for both your properties and tenants
- Efficient resource allocation through data-driven insights
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon can benefit your housing projects call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.