Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants to install ‘mould sensors’ in thousands of rental homes across the capital.

In a pledge ahead of the Mayoral election on Thursday Khan has revealed that 200 devices are already being trialled as part of a pilot project across 18 boroughs – Khan has spent £120,000 on the trial.

The sensors collect temperature and humidity data, and use algorithms to determine the risk of mould. They then automatically alerting council officers to homes which could need attention.

Khan’s team has told the media that private landlords will often fail to respond quickly or proactively to mould issues.

These sensors would empower tenants with “hard data with which to make their case, and a direct link to council officials who can help hold bad landlords to account”.

Khan himself says: “No-one should have to live in a damp or mouldy home. I’m determined to do everything in my power in London to end this national scandal and to use the power of cutting-edge technology.

“If this pilot is successful, I want to roll out thousands of mould sensors all across London, to ensure tenants can hold their landlords to account.”

The issue of damp and mould in rental homes rose to particular national prominence in 2022, following the release of the coroner’s report into the death of toddler Awaab Ishaak, who died after exposure to mould in his housing association home in Rochdale.