From 20 to 26 October, the UK will mark Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week. This nationwide campaign, launched in 2024 and even commended by King Charles, aims to tackle one of the most persistent housing issues affecting millions of households.

The stakes are high. Organisers estimate that damp and mould contribute to a housing crisis costing the NHS over £1.4 billion a year, with some 6.5 million households in England affected. And with the introduction of Awaab’s Law, the pressure is on for landlords to meet new, legally binding repair deadlines for hazards like damp and mould.

For landlords and letting agents, this isn’t purely about legal compliance, it’s about tenant safety, reputation, and the smooth running of your business. The good news is that technology like togetha can make the process far easier, faster, and less stressful.

What Awaab’s Law Means for You

Awaab’s Law now requires social landlords to fix reported health hazards within strict legal timeframes. While the law currently applies specifically to social housing, it is widely expected to set a new standard across the rental sector and there have been discussions about expanding to the private rental sector.

If you manage properties, you know that damp and mould issues can escalate quickly. Tenants are now more aware of their rights and better equipped to hold landlords accountable. That means the days of ad hoc repairs or long delays are over and efficient processes are no longer optional.

Why Damp and Mould Management Is More Than a Maintenance Issue

The organisers of Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week highlight that these issues aren’t just about damaged walls or peeling paint. They can cause or worsen asthma, respiratory illnesses, and even mental health problems.

The campaign is pushing for collaboration between landlords, local authorities, health services, and tenants, to everyone’s benefit.

The Problem: Admin Overload and Missed Deadlines

For many landlords and letting agents, the challenge isn’t knowing what needs to be done, it’s keeping track of it all. Paper trails, scattered emails, and reactive maintenance workflows can quickly create bottlenecks.

This is where problems arise:

• Missed inspection reminders
• Delays in assigning contractors
• Gaps in record-keeping if disputes arise
• Lost certificates or compliance documents

Even the most diligent property managers can find their systems stretched thin. That’s why technology is playing an increasingly important role in keeping everything on track.

The Solution: Automating Compliance with togetha

togetha is the property management platform built for landlords and letting agents who want to save time, stay compliant, and maintain strong tenant relationships. The average customer saves 20 hours of admin every week; time that can be reinvested into growing your portfolio or focusing on higher-value tasks.

When it comes to damp and mould compliance, togetha can help you:

1. Log and Track Issues in Real Time

Tenants can report problems securely via the dedicated tenant portal, with photos and descriptions attached. You’ll get instant notifications so you can act before problems worsen.

2. Assign and Monitor Repairs

Create and track maintenance jobs, send them to approved contractors, and monitor progress, all within one platform. No more chasing updates across multiple channels.

3. Store Compliance Documentation Securely

Upload EPC certificates, safety inspection reports, and repair records into togetha’s encrypted Vault. Everything is time-stamped, giving you an automatic audit trail if disputes arise.

4. Automate Key Reminders

Set reminders for when EPC certificates are due for renewal or when scheduled property inspections should take place. togetha ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

5. Generate Financial Reports Instantly

Live reporting means you can make informed decisions on repair budgets, track spend across your portfolio, and ensure you’re investing wisely.

A Proactive Approach to Tenant Safety

With Awaab’s Law and campaigns like Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week driving public attention, the rental market is moving towards prevention rather than cure. This means spotting early warning signs, addressing them quickly, and documenting every step.

By automating the process, you not only meet your legal obligations, you also strengthen your reputation as a responsible landlord or agent. Tenants who feel their concerns are dealt with promptly are more likely to stay longer, treat the property with care, and speak positively about your service.

October Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Processes

With Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week taking place from 20 to 26 October, now is the ideal moment to review how you’re handling property maintenance and compliance, across all your property portfolio, from 1 - 10,000.

Ask yourself:

• Could I respond to a damp or mould complaint within hours, not days?
• Do I have a centralised system for tracking repairs and compliance documents?
• Am I confident I could evidence my actions if challenged in court?
• If the answer to any of these is “no” or “not sure”, it’s time to take action.

What should you do next?

Damp and mould issues are not going away and neither are the regulations surrounding them. The difference between a stressful, time-consuming process and a smooth, compliant one often comes down to the systems you have in place.

togetha is designed to give you control, clarity, and confidence. From instant tenant reporting to automated reminders and secure document storage, togetha is the smarter way to manage your property portfolio. Protect your tenants, safeguard your business, and make compliance feel effortless.

Book your free demo today to see how togetha can save you time, cut costs, and keep you ahead of upcoming changes.