Ombudsman for Wales to probe social housing damp issues
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has announced plans to progress two Own Initiative investigations into how social housing providers respond to reports of disrepair, damp and mould.
The proposals follow a public consultation launched in November 2025. Responses were received from tenants, local authorities, registered social landlords, the Welsh Government and third sector advice organisations.
After reviewing the evidence, the Ombudsman concluded that the statutory criteria under the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019 had been met and has proposed two investigations.
The Ombudsman’s casework and recent investigations have identified delays and inconsistent responses to complaints about disrepair, particularly damp and mould, often involving vulnerable tenants.
In 2024–25, just over 19% of new complaints received by the Ombudsman related to social housing, many concerning disrepair, damp and mould. A thematic report, Living in Disrepair, and public interest investigation reports published in late 2025 also highlighted similar concerns.
Consultation responses indicated that vulnerable tenants may be disproportionately affected, including disabled people, older people, families with children, those on low incomes and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Respondents described the impact that unresolved disrepair, damp and mould can have on health, wellbeing and independence.
Michelle Morris, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, said:
“Our casework, investigations and the consultation responses show that unresolved disrepair, damp and mould can cause serious harm, especially for vulnerable tenants. While the sector is changing, including the updated Welsh Housing Quality Standard coming into force in April 2026, the evidence suggests problems persist. These proposed investigations will identify learning and support improvement, transparency and accountability.”
The Ombudsman will now write to the two housing associations identified, outline the proposed investigations and invite their comments in line with statutory requirements. Further Own Initiative investigations may be considered.
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