The Property Care Association (PCA) said it has seen a record increase in the number of condensation-related claims made by householders across the UK, with reports continuing to be logged in 2023.

According to experts at the organisation, cold weather snaps, inflation, the cost-of-living situation and increases in energy heating prices are all behind the surge in damp and mould.

Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA, said: “2022 has turned out to be the worst year ever for condensation issues on record in our 93-year history.

“Our 400-plus members are seeing a significant rise in problems with excess moisture in properties across the UK in social housing, as well as the private domestic sector.

“There have been a number of contributing factors, which collectively have had an impact.

“The tragic events in Rochdale and the subsequent media coverage appear to have created a shift in public tolerance to damp and mould issues. We are now less accepting of dampness and reporting issues in greater numbers than ever before.

“We have had a number of cold weather spells, as well as the cost-of-living issue, soaring energy bills and inflation, all of which have lead people to economise on their heating.

“Efforts to reduce air leakage through draught proofing and retrofit insulation, as well as the changing climate patterns - featuring wetter weather – are also of significance.

“Increasingly, people are working from home too, and that change in occupancy patterns can also have an impact.

“A little bit of mould in the home is nothing to worry about, but what we are seeing needs to be considered more seriously.

“It impacts on physical and mental health, and we need to look at what can be done to stop this problem continuing to escalate.

“We believe the frequency of problems associated with damp and mould from indoor air is only set to get worse, with unseen and as yet underestimated problems being created due to these new pressures on properties.”

According to the PCA, ventilation is critically important to tackle problems emerging in a new generation of humid homes, but it says the current system is failing to tackle the issue.

Steve Hodgson added: “Key to addressing the issue is the installation of appropriate and efficient ventilation.

“However, despite the impact that good ventilation can have on a property’s moisture levels, the current regulation and guidance setting out minimum requirements in homes is mixed and usually ignored or misunderstood.

“This needs addressing as a priority, as a great many of the problems faced could be improved through the correct use of appropriate ventilation strategies.”