AI helps Wolverhampton Homes predict damp and mould

Using AI, Wolverhampton Homes has transformed the way it is managing damp and mould. By identifying which homes are most at risk, housing officers can take early action to keep residents safe

Using AI to predict and protect

In response to the Housing Ombudsman’s call for housing officers to take a more proactive approach, Wolverhampton Homes partnered with us to pilot an AI solution for predicting damp and mould risk. The new system is fully integrated into NEC Housing.

“We’ve implemented an AI-driven predictive analytics model that can forecast damp and mould risks in our homes with remarkable accuracy.”
Sam Dugmore, Systems Development & Support Manager at Wolverhampton Homes

Key benefits of the AI solution

When housing officers receive any updates about a resident or home, the system is automatically updated, removing the need for team members to manually enter information on resident concerns and property repairs. This enables Wolverhampton Homes to:

Quickly identify at-risk properties and take preventative action to protect residents and prevent structural issues
Track the condition of every home and make informed decisions about which homes to prioritise

“By using data to assess risk we can predict with a high degree of accuracy hidden damp, mould and condensation issues and tenant vulnerabilities. As a result, we are improving tenant health and wellbeing and reducing complaints.”
Sam Dugmore, Systems Development & Support Manager at Wolverhampton Homes

High accuracy in predicting risk

Since going live with the AI pilot in May 2023, Wolverhampton Homes has:

Enhanced resident wellbeing by creating healthier living environments and reducing exposure to mould-related health risks through effective use of data
Reported rates of 70% accuracy of prediction of a home becoming damp, with rates as high as 98% accuracy when good quality data is available

“Our goal is to use data insights to improve services for customers. Using AI within our housing management system, we’re increasing our ability to predict and respond to reports of damp, mould and condensation more efficiently. In the long term, we aim to utilise the dashboard to enable our services to become more proactive to the issues surrounding damp, mould and condensation.”

Sam Dugmore, Systems Development & Support Manager at Wolverhampton Homes

Long-term impact and future potential

Wolverhampton Homes uses this information to support its ability to fix problems earlier. For example, prioritising homes for retrofit works or enhancing ventilation, to keep homes safe and comfortable. This also supports tenant satisfaction and engagement to provide targeted advice and guidance.

Wolverhampton Homes can now proactively address damp, mould and condensation (DMC) issues before they escalate, creating safer, healthier homes for residents. As housing data and resident needs evolve, the system will adapt for even more accurate predictions, which will in turn lower repair costs and expanded property lifespan through proactive management. It will also reduce the number of tenant complaints relating to DMC.

21,000

managed homes

70-98%

reduction in damp and mould-related complaints