When Michelle from Bassetlaw noticed a smell of mould in her council home and realised it was coming from behind her kitchen cupboards, she worried about the effects on her health, so reported it to her landlord, Bassetlaw District Council.
Regional charity Groundwork Five Counties, who work collaboratively with tenants to support and signpost ways to reduce damp and mould, also highlighted the issue following a proactive visit to the property at the Council’s request.
Green Doctor Debbie, an energy expert from Groundwork, said: “I showed Michelle ways to prevent damp and mould from forming, by ventilating and having the heating on enough during the cold months. Michelle is very careful to do this, but mould had built up that she couldn’t reach behind her kitchen cupboards.
“After I submitted the report of the issues I found, the Council resolved everything within weeks, which we are very pleased about.”
When the Council’s repair team visited the home, they discovered the root cause of the mould behind Michelle’s kitchen cupboards was leaking water behind bathroom tiles on the other side of the wall, which was resolved with a three stage anti-fungal wash, seal and paint to assist with remediation of black mould.
Michelle says: “I’m so relieved and no longer ashamed of my home. Hidden mould is awful, you can smell it, but you can’t get rid of it yourself. Debbie was fantastic, and I’m pleased this service exists so tenants can get help from the landlord when problems come up that are not our fault.”
Bassetlaw District Council is working with Groundwork Five Counties to target homes that are most at risk of damp and mould.
Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates at the Council said: “We are pleased to have been able to carry out the repairs needed, in a timely manner in line with our repairs policy and hope it will prevent mould from building up in the same area again.
“We have been working with Groundwork Five Counties for over two years who support us by helping tenants to prevent damp, mould or disrepair as well as working proactively to reduce energy bills.”
From 27th October, Awaab’s Law came into force. This legislation, named after the two-year-old boy who tragically died from mould exposure in his home, requires social housing providers to address issues like damp, mould, and other health hazards within tight timeframes.
Bassetlaw District Council has set up a designated damp and mould team ready for when the law came into force. Landlords who fail to adhere to this legislation face serious consequences, including fines.
Groundwork’s Damp & Disrepair service supports landlords and their tenants by offering impartial advice that result in safer, healthier homes. Social housing providers can register for a free trial here: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/damp-disrepair
Last Updated on Monday, December 8, 2025