More than half of private renters – including 1.6 million children – are living in excessively cold, damp or mouldy homes, according to Citizens Advice.
It found that 2.7 million households, or 58 per cent of private renters, were struggling with at least one of those three issues.
That compares with 3 to 4 per cent of social homes in England having notable damp and mould, with less than 0.2 per cent having the most serious problems, according to initial findings published last month by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Most social landlords understand the extent of damp and mould in tenants’ homes, the survey found.
The regulator asked all larger social landlords to submit evidence about the extent of damp and mould in homes, as well as their approach to tackling it where needed, following the coroner’s report at the end of 2022 into the tragic death of Awaab Ishak.
Two-year-old Awaab died in December 2020 from a severe respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in his flat.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, the LGA’s Housing Spokesperson, said: “Councils continue to fully support efforts to inspect homes and drive up standards in both the social housing and private rented sector.
“While this study shows that the vast majority of social housing is safe and decent, councils are determined to improve housing conditions for all social and private tenants.
“The LGA continues to work with professional bodies, as well as the Government, to discuss possible solutions on improving housing standards – including those relating to damp and mould in tenanted properties.”