what is this study about?

This is a PhD research project studying how people who rent with mould. The study is seeking to speak to people with any experiences or memories of living with mould in the rented sector.  The project will be completed in 2027. 

Research shows mould can lead to serious physical health problems, and some evidence suggests it may also negatively impact mental wellbeing. 

In 2020, two-year old Awaab Ishak died as a result of long-term exposure to mould in his home. Awaab's family challenged the landlord over many years to take action, but housing officers blamed 'lifestyle' factors based on racist stereotypes. 

Since Awaab's death, the number of mould complaints by social renters has more than doubled. Official data on housing conditions in England also show damp (which can lead to mould) has increased in all tenures since 2019. This coincides with high inflation and rising cost of energy, which could lead people to use heating less. At the same time, housing in the UK is ageing, becoming more expensive, and is worse 'value for money' than similar countries. 

Previous research on living with mould has often focussed on 'behaviours' contributing to damp (such as heating) and health impacts, but renters often have weak controls over their environment. Therefore, this study focusses on processes shape damp and mouldy conditions and how renters respond and manage. 

I'm asking people with any experiences or memories of mould in the rented sector to take part in an interview. 

Interviews may take place online/remotely or in person and where possible, in renters homes.  

Interviews with renters will focus on experiences with mould and housing, how they respond, manage, and engage with landlord / agents, and how they would like their home to be.

If possible, I will ask renters to show parts of their home in a 'tour' to help understand what it's like to live there. 

Alongside interviews and home-visits, I will also speak to 'key informants' (people with expertise from a paid or unpaid role). 

You can find more information about what taking part involves here.  

Hello! I'm Sophie De Val - a doctoral candidate at the University of Sheffield, based in the the School of Geography and Planning and the School of Architecture and Landscape. I decided to study this topic because I'm interested in housing and environmental justice. I've also been involved with renter advocacy for around five years, and lived with damp and mould problems in many places I've rented. You can find my contact details here.