We announce today the decision to progress proposals for two Own Initiative investigations into how social housing providers respond to reports of disrepair, with a particular focus on damp and mould affecting vulnerable tenants.
The decision follows a public consultation launched in November 2025. Responses were received from tenants, Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords, Welsh Government, and third sector advice and advocacy organisations. After considering the evidence, we concluded the statutory criteria for using Own Initiative powers are met and has proposed two investigations under the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019.
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.
"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."
Michelle Morris, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
We will write to the two Housing Associations identified, outline the proposed investigations and invite their comments in line with statutory requirements. We will continue to review whether further Own Initiative investigations are warranted.