Excess cold is one of the 29 hazards assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). A dwelling poses an excess cold hazard when it cannot be kept warm enough to protect the health of the people living in it — a risk linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illness, particularly for older and vulnerable occupants. The usual causes are inadequate insulation, an inadequate or unaffordable heating system, and poor overall energy efficiency.
Excess cold and condensation mould are closely related. The same building defects that leave a home cold — cold surfaces, thermal bridges, under-heating — also keep internal surfaces below the dew point, so cold homes tend to be mouldy homes and the remedial works overlap.
For social landlords, Awaab's Law Phase 2 brings excess cold within the Awaab's Law investigation and repair timeframes from 30 November 2026.