Young Family Reports Mould, Water Leaks and Bug Infestation at Social Housing Home

A couple living with their nearly one-year-old son in a ground-floor flat in Shinfield, Berkshire, have spoken out about the condition of their home, highlighting concerns about mould, water damage and a bug infestation. The flat forms part of a larger property owned by Wokingham Borough Council. 

The couple said they had experienced ongoing problems with damp and mould, followed by a leak, a sewage smell in the bathroom and bugs crawling over the floor. They also reported water-damaged carpet and water from the flat above reaching their microwave, kitchen surfaces and appliances. 

The family were moved into temporary accommodation while works were carried out, but said they were left dealing with bills for both the temporary accommodation and the social housing property. 

The baby’s mother said the experience affected her maternity leave and left her worried about whether the mould would return. The case highlights how distressing housing disrepair can be for young families, especially when problems involve a baby, health concerns, temporary accommodation, and uncertainty about whether the home is safe and suitable. 

For parents with young children, the practical impact can be difficult. They may be left trying to keep bedrooms, bedding, clothes and toys clean and dry, while also worrying about whether the conditions are affecting their child’s health or ability to settle at home. 

Mould and water damage should not be left to worsen 

Mould and water damage are among the most common housing disrepair problems reported by social housing tenants. They can be caused by leaking roofs, damaged gutters, defective brickwork, faulty plumbing, broken seals, water ingress, poor ventilation, defective windows or heating problems. 

Where a tenant reports leaks or water damage, the landlord should not simply treat the visible damage and close the repair: it should consider the cause of the leak, whether the property needs to be dried out, whether mould has developed, and whether any further works are needed to prevent the issue from recurring. 

This is especially important where damp and mould have started to spread. Mould may appear on walls, ceilings, windows, soft furnishings, bedding, children’s clothes or stored belongings. It can make rooms unpleasant to use and may be particularly concerning for children, elderly relatives, disabled tenants or anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions. 

When infestation problems are linked to disrepair 

A bug infestation can have a serious impact on day-to-day life: tenants may feel unable to use certain rooms, worry about hygiene, and find that clothing, bedding, or furniture is affected. 

In some cases, infestation problems may be linked to wider disrepair. For example, pests may enter through damaged flooring, gaps around pipework, defective walls, broken doors or windows, or damp-affected areas. Where that is the case, dealing with the infestation alone may not solve the problem; the landlord may also need to repair the defect that is allowing pests to enter or continue. 

What should social landlords do when problems are reported? 

Social landlords, including councils and housing associations, are expected to keep homes safe, habitable and in a reasonable state of repair. When tenants report leaks, mould, infestations, heating faults, damaged windows, or unsafe electrics, the landlord should take the report seriously. 

That may involve inspecting the property, identifying the root cause, arranging repairs, keeping the tenant updated and checking whether the work has resolved the issue. When several problems are happening at once, the landlord should consider whether they are connected. For example, a leak may contribute to damp and mould, while damp conditions may worsen infestation problems. 

If the home is occupied by a family with young children, the landlord should also consider whether the conditions are affecting their health, safety or ability to use the home normally. 

Awaab’s Law and serious damp and mould 

In England, social landlords now also have duties under Awaab’s Law, which was introduced following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak and sets timescales for dealing with emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards. The first phase came into force on 27 October 2025 and applies to the social rented sector where the legal criteria are met. 

This is particularly relevant where damp or mould may pose a significant risk of harm. Tenants should report damp and mould as soon as they become aware of it and should make clear if children, vulnerable residents or people with health conditions are living in the property. 

Awaab’s Law does not mean every repair issue will be handled in the same way, but it does reinforce an important point: serious housing conditions should not be left to deteriorate. 

What can tenants do if repairs are ignored? 

If repairs are delayed, ignored or poorly handled, tenants should try to keep clear evidence. Useful evidence may include photographs, videos, emails, repair reference numbers, inspection reports, complaint responses, medical information, damaged belongings and a diary of when problems were reported. 

Where mould, water damage or infestation problems are affecting a family home, tenants should also keep evidence of any impact on children, health, bedding, clothing, furniture or the use of rooms. 

Tenants can make a formal complaint to their landlord. If the complaint is not resolved, they may be able to refer it to the Housing Ombudsman for free. 

The Housing Ombudsman can investigate complaints, make findings and recommend action, including repairs, apologies and compensation. However, the process can take time and may not always provide the urgent or enforceable outcome tenants need. 

A housing disrepair claim may help tenants seek repairs and, where appropriate, compensation. Compensation may reflect factors such as how long the home was affected, loss of enjoyment of the property, inconvenience, damage to belongings, and the impact on health or day-to-day life. 

How Premier Legal Assist can help 

If you are a social housing tenant and your council or housing association has failed to deal with reported repairs, leaks, damp, mould, infestation problems or other housing issues, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. 

Premier Legal Assist works with specialist no-win, no-fee housing disrepair solicitors who regularly handle housing association and council cases. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, push for the repairs you are owed, and pursue compensation where appropriate. 

To find out if you are eligible, complete our short claim form or message us on WhatsApp, and a member of our team will be in touch.