Search interest in damp and mould has increased by 34.2% in the latest two-month comparison, according to research from Inventory Base, which has also launched a new template tool to support housing hazard assessments under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
The analysis of Google search interest trends found that the average score for searches for “damp and mould” increased from 38.65 in the previous two months to 51.88 in the most recent period.
The findings come as property condition and the identification of potential housing hazards remain areas of focus for the residential sector. Damp and mould can indicate wider problems within a property, making accurate inspections and consistent records important for landlords and letting agents.
Damp and mould searches increase as housing inspection interest falls
Searches for related terms also increased, with interest in “damp” rising by 29.1%, from an average score of 37.18 to 48. Searches for “mould” increased by 16.8%, from 37.55 to 43.88.
However, the trend was not consistent across all housing-related terms. Search interest in “HHSRS” and “Housing Health and Safety Rating System” remained broadly stable, rising by 0.5%, while searches for “housing standards” fell by 2.1%.
Searches for “housing inspection” dropped by 47.3%, while broader searches for “housing safety” and “housing conditions” fell by 33.1% and 34.7%, respectively.
The figures indicate that search interest in specific issues such as damp and mould has increased, despite declines across some broader housing and inspection terms. Google search trends do not establish the reasons behind these changes, but the figures highlight continued interest in particular property condition issues.
For landlords and letting agents, identifying and documenting potential hazards forms part of maintaining accurate property records and establishing a consistent approach to inspections. Records can help show what was identified, when it was recorded and what action followed.
Inventory Base said inventory and inspection reports cannot replace a professional assessment of HHSRS hazards, but detailed and consistent records can support a landlord or agent’s wider approach to monitoring property condition and managing issues.
“The updated HHSRS framework puts renewed emphasis on how housing hazards are identified, assessed and managed," said Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Inventory Base. "For landlords and letting agents, understanding the changes and how they apply in practice is an important part of maintaining safe properties and meeting their responsibilities.
“Damp and mould remain particularly important issues for the sector, as they can affect both the condition of a property and the health of the people living in it. The rise in search interest around these issues highlights the need for property professionals to have a clear understanding of the hazards they may encounter and how these should be documented.
“The changes to HHSRS also reinforce the importance of having reliable inspection processes and accurate property records. While an inventory or inspection report cannot replace a formal HHSRS assessment, consistent documentation can help agents and landlords track property condition, record issues as they arise and evidence the action taken.
Sián added, “At Inventory Base, we want to help property professionals navigate these requirements with greater confidence. Our new HHSRS tool is designed to support a more structured approach to housing hazard assessments, helping agents and landlords strengthen their processes as they adapt and comply with the updated framework.”
