Damp & mould surveys
Independent investigation. Clear evidence. Practical solutions.
Damp and mould is one of the most important property condition issues facing the housing sector today.
At Vertex Surveying Group, we provide professional Damp & Mould Surveys for private landlords, letting and managing agents, housing associations, social housing providers, local authorities and homeowners.
Our role is not simply to identify that damp or mould is present. We investigate the property to establish the likely cause, contributing factors, level of concern and appropriate remedial action.
With more than 35 years' experience in property, together with specialist Elmhurst accreditation, we combine technical assessment with practical experience of owning, managing and maintaining residential property.
Awaab's Law
Changing the approach to damp & mould
Awaab's Law came into force for the social rented sector in England on 27 October 2025, initially covering emergency hazards and damp and mould hazards presenting a significant risk of harm.
For qualifying damp and mould hazards, social landlords are subject to defined timescales for investigation, action and communication with residents.
The requirements are expanding. Further categories of housing hazard are being brought within Awaab's Law, and legislation provides for similar requirements in the private rented sector.
Finding the cause
Not just treating the mould
Visible mould is often the symptom rather than the underlying problem. Simply cleaning the mould or applying anti-mould paint may improve its appearance temporarily, but it does not necessarily address why the problem developed.
Our objective is to investigate the building as a whole and provide an evidence-based assessment of the likely causes.
Common contributing factors
- Condensation and excessive internal humidity
- Inadequate or defective ventilation
- Penetrating damp
- Defective roofs, gutters or rainwater goods
- Plumbing or historic water leaks
- Defective pointing or external finishes
- High external ground levels
- Thermal bridging and cold surfaces
- Insufficient insulation
- Defective windows or building components
- Occupancy and moisture generation
- A combination of building and environmental factors
How we can assist
What our assessment can include
Depending upon the property and circumstances.
Visual inspection
Affected rooms together with relevant internal and external areas of the building.
Moisture assessment
Appropriate moisture readings and investigation of areas showing elevated moisture or deterioration.
Ventilation assessment
Existing ventilation, extractor fans, air movement and factors contributing to excessive humidity.
Building defect investigation
Rainwater goods, roofs, pointing, external ground levels, drainage, plumbing and building fabric.
Condensation and thermal factors
Cold surfaces, thermal bridging and insulation, with thermal imaging where it helps locate the problem.
Photographic evidence
Clear photographic recording of relevant findings and areas requiring attention.
Cause and contributing factors
An evidence-based opinion on the likely source of the problem.
Remedial recommendations
Practical recommendations for the works or further investigations considered necessary.
Prioritisation of works
What needs immediate attention and what can form part of planned maintenance.
Housing providers & managing agents
An independent surveying resource
For organisations managing larger portfolios, Vertex can assist with damp and mould complaints, escalated cases and property condition investigations.
Our reports give housing associations, local authorities, managing agents and portfolio landlords a clear audit trail showing that reported concerns have been properly investigated and appropriate action identified.
We can also undertake post-remedial inspections to assess completed works and identify whether further action is recommended.
A documented record of
Private landlords
Preparing for higher standards
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 provides for Awaab's Law requirements to be extended to privately rented homes, introducing prescribed timescales for landlords to address serious housing hazards once the relevant regulations are brought into force.
The direction of travel is clear: reports of damp and mould need to be taken seriously, investigated appropriately and supported by good records. An independent survey establishes what is actually happening within the property and gives you a clear plan for putting matters right.
Independent. Evidence-based. Practical.
We assess the evidence
Every property is different. Our purpose is not to assume that every patch of mould is caused by the building, nor to automatically attribute problems to the occupier.
By combining professional assessment with more than 35 years of practical property experience, we provide clear, proportionate advice designed to protect the property, its occupants and those responsible for managing it.