Spray foam insulation defects
If you have spray foam insulation defects in your home, your landlord must put it right by law. For social housing in England, Awaab's Law deadlines for this type of problem are being phased in by 2027. Your landlord's repair duty applies now. This is not something we take on as a housing disrepair claim, but your landlord may still be responsible for putting it right. The free steps below are usually the fastest way to get it sorted.
England: Defective Premises Act 1972 + Consumer Rights Act 2015. Wales: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 repair and fitness duties.
How to get help with this, for free
- If you rent, report any damage or damp linked to the insulation to your landlord in writing.
- Get an independent survey of the insulation from a qualified surveyor before any work.
- For free, independent advice on your options, contact Citizens Advice.
Symptoms
- Loft feels stuffy, hot, or wet
- Rotting roof timbers (visible discolouration)
- Inability to sell or remortgage (lender refusal)
- Surveyor's report flagging spray foam
- Condensation building up under the roof
Health impact
- Trapped damp causing mould all through the home
- Less fresh air means dirtier air inside
- Stress of mortgage / sale blocked by lender concerns
Evidence to gather
- Photograph loft area + any visible foam
- Keep ALL correspondence from mortgage lender or surveyor flagging the issue
- Get an independent surveyor's removal cost estimate
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for spray foam insulation defects?
No, this is not something we take on as a housing disrepair claim. Your landlord may still be legally responsible for putting it right, and the free routes below are usually the fastest way to get it sorted.
What should I do about spray foam insulation defects?
If you rent, report any damage or damp linked to the insulation to your landlord in writing. Get an independent survey of the insulation from a qualified surveyor before any work. For free, independent advice on your options, contact Citizens Advice.
What is the law behind this?
Defective Premises Act 1972 + Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Read more about spray foam insulation defects
Put it in writing
A written record helps your case. Copy a free, plain-English template, fill in the brackets, and send it to your landlord.
Related
Read deeper, Spray foam insulation
Practical Q&As, legal context, and named case studies on this topic. Every link below is a Support for Tenants page.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only, not a promise; every case is different.