Craig’s Story - A safer home for his children
How Advocacy alleviated damp and mould in a family home
Craig, a social housing tenant living in a two-storey home with his partner and two children, sought help from the Advocacy service due to persistent damp and mould problems. The issue was particularly severe in the children’s bedrooms, raising serious concerns about health and safety.
Our Senior Advocacy Worker responded by arranging a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspection to assess the severity and cause of the problem. During the initial visit, Craig shared the property’s history of recurring mould and his worries about the impact on his children’s health.
The inspection revealed no rising or penetrating structural damp, but significant condensation was present, especially in the children’s rooms. High indoor humidity levels were recorded, and ventilation was found to be non-existent or inadequate, due to poorly functioning windows and blocked vents. Additionally, parts of the home lacked proper insulation, contributing to cold surfaces and increased condensation.
Based on these findings, the Senior Advocacy Worker classified the issue as a Category 2 hazard under HHSRS guidelines, citing potential respiratory health and wellbeing risks, especially for the children. A detailed report was prepared, outlining the causes and recommending remedial actions, including improved ventilation, installation or repair of extractor fans and trickle vents, insulation upgrades, and mould remediation.
Our Advocacy Service submitted the report to the housing association and shared it with the client. Following this, the housing association agreed to carry out the recommended works. Craig chose to take an active role in coordinating the repairs. ScotsCare continued to assist by clarifying the report’s findings and advising on reasonable timescales and standards.
This case highlights the vital role independent advocacy can play in helping tenants navigate complex housing issues and assert their rights effectively.