How common is damp and mould in English homes?
In 2023-24, 1.3 million homes in England (5%) had a damp problem in one or more rooms, the highest rate in five years, according to the English Housing Survey. Private rented and council homes were the most affected, both at 9%, compared with 5% of housing association homes and 4% of owner-occupied homes. Serious condensation and mould was the most common type. Of the 1.3 million affected households, more than 600,000 included someone with a health condition.
Damp problems by tenure (2023-24)
| Tenure | Homes with a damp problem | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private rented | 9% | Joint highest |
| Local authority (council) | 9% | Joint highest |
| Housing association | 5% | Around the national average |
| Owner occupied | 4% | Lowest |
| All homes | 5% | 1.3 million dwellings, highest in 5 years |
By type of damp
| Type | Share of homes | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Serious condensation or mould | 3% | The most common damp problem |
| Rising damp | 2% | From the ground up through walls |
| Penetrating damp | 2% | Water getting in through the structure |
The survey counts a home as having a damp problem if it has penetrating damp, rising damp, or extensive mould on walls and ceilings or mildew on soft furnishings.
Last updated 2026-06-25. Compiled by Homes and Hedge from the English Housing Survey 2023-24. This is general information, not legal advice. England only; the devolved nations run separate surveys. Refreshed when the English Housing Survey publishes new figures.
Common questions
Are rented homes more likely to have damp?
Yes. Private rented and council homes had the highest rate of damp problems in 2023-24, both at 9%, compared with 4% of owner-occupied homes.
Is damp in homes getting worse?
The 2023-24 rate of 5% (1.3 million homes) was the highest in five years, up from 3 to 4% in recent years.
What counts as a damp problem?
The English Housing Survey counts penetrating damp, rising damp, or extensive mould on walls and ceilings or mildew on soft furnishings. Serious condensation and mould was the most common type in 2023.