Everyone deserves to live in a safe, warm and decent home, yet damp and mould continue to affect a significant proportion of the UK’s housing stock. Current estimates suggest that anywhere between 4% and 27% of homes are impacted1, which means that even at the lower end of this range, close to a million properties – and the people who live in them – are at risk.
Historically, damp and mould were handled reactively: tenants reported problems, inspectors assessed them, and repairs were arranged. This approach, however, is no longer sufficient. With the introduction of Awaab’s Law and tighter scrutiny from regulators, landlords are now expected to intervene earlier, act faster and retain clear evidence that risks are being actively managed.
This is causing a shift towards preventative, data-led asset management, with landlords and housing providers now prioritising understanding the condition of their stock through regular inspections, improved ventilation, energy efficiency upgrades, and early identification of structural deficiencies.
Data-driven asset management
According to the Regulator of Social Housing, landlords who manage damp and mould most effectively are those with strong, up-to-date data about their stock. Reliable data allows risks to be identified sooner, resources to be targeted more effectively, and interventions to be planned before problems become severe.
However, one of the most difficult aspects of managing damp and mould is that visible signs only appear once the problem is established. Staining, peeling paint and musty smells usually indicate that damp and mould has already taken hold. At that stage, repairs tend to be more invasive, more costly and more disruptive.
To tackle this challenge, many landlords are turning to specialist diagnostic tools. Among these, thermal imaging has emerged as one of the most effective ways to detect early-stage damp and mould issues that are invisible to the naked eye.
How thermal imaging works
Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to measure and display temperature variations across internal and external surfaces within a property. Subtle differences in temperature can indicate the presence of moisture, insulation defects or areas of water ingress long before visible signs develop.
When surveys are conducted by trained professionals, the resulting images and temperature data provide a detailed insight into how a building is performing. They highlight where heat is being lost, where moisture may be building up, and where structural issues could be emerging.
This information is then presented in a clear visual format that helps housing providers prioritise repairs with confidence. It also creates a strong evidence base for compliance, demonstrating that properties are being monitored and maintained to an appropriate standard.
Targeted repairs, less disruption
One of the key advantages of thermal imaging is that it is particularly effective at identifying hidden damp, leaks, and cold spots that can lead to mould growth – it can reveal moisture trapped behind walls or ceilings, water ingress through damaged roofs, gutters, or pipes, and areas where poor insulation causes condensation.
Because the source and extent of the issue can be pinpointed accurately, landlords are able to take targeted action. This reduces the need for exploratory works, meaning that maintenance teams can focus their efforts where they are genuinely needed, improving first-time fix rates and reducing repeated call-outs for the same problem.
Thermal imaging is also a non-invasive process. Surveys can be completed quickly without drilling or disturbing building fabric. In most cases, tenants can remain in their homes while the survey is carried out, making it a practical and tenant-friendly solution.
For housing providers managing large and diverse property portfolios, the ability to survey at scale is another major advantage. Combining thermal imaging with data analytics enables better asset management, prioritised maintenance, and evidence-based investment decisions – all contributing to safer, healthier housing.
A practical and reliable solution
Thermal imaging is not a standalone solution, but when integrated into a broader asset management strategy, it provides a practical and reliable way to identify the root causes of damp and mould. By enabling earlier intervention, it helps prevent repeat failures, reduce avoidable expenditure and strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements.
Most importantly, it plays a direct role in protecting tenants. By tackling damp and mould before they compromise indoor air quality or building integrity, landlords and housing providers can help ensure that residents live in healthier, safer and more comfortable homes.
