Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to investigate two housing associations over damp and mould

The Ombudsman said it would write to these bodies individually to outline its proposed investigations, giving them an opportunity to comment in line with the legislation under which it operates.

It also said that it would continue to review whether it should also propose own initiative investigations of other bodies.

The move follows a public consultation launched in November 2025. Responses were received from tenants, local authorities, registered social landlords, the Welsh Government, and third sector advice and advocacy organisations.

The consultation outcome can be viewed here.

The Ombudsman said that after considering the evidence, it had concluded the statutory criteria for using own initiative powers were met and had proposed two investigations under the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019.

It added: “Our casework and recent investigations have identified delays and inconsistent responses to reports of disrepair, damp and mould, often involving vulnerable tenants. In 2024–25, just over 19% of new complaints received related to social housing, many concerning disrepair, damp and mould. We have also published a thematic report, Living in Disrepair, and issued public interest investigation reports in late 2025 highlighting similar concerns.

“Evidence from the consultation indicates vulnerable tenants may be disproportionately affected, including disabled people, older people, families with children, those on low incomes and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Respondents described the serious impact that unresolved disrepair, damp and mould can have on health, wellbeing and independence, and agreed that progressing these investigations would be in the public interest.

Michelle Morris, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, said: “Our casework, investigations and the consultation responses show that unresolved disrepair, damp and mould can cause serious harm, especially for vulnerable tenants.

“While the sector is changing, including the updated Welsh Housing Quality Standard coming into force in April 2026, the evidence suggests problems persist. These proposed investigations will identify learning and support improvement, transparency and accountability."