Student accommodation providers across the UK are seeing an increase in damp and mould challenges in shared accommodation. With an ever-growing student population, paired with a tightening housing supply and rising expectations around living standards, providers are under pressure to deliver long-term solutions that address the causes of damp, rather than repeatedly treating symptoms and leaving properties largely unsafe to inhabit.
At the same time, the continued growth of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is raising students’ expectations, creating a widening gap between newer developments and older shared housing stock. This contrast is placing additional pressure on landlords and providers of traditional properties to improve standards and remain competitive.
For student housing, this isn’t just about responding quickly. It requires interventions that are cost-effective, durable and achievable within tight turnaround periods between tenancies. Traditional approaches, such as repeated cleaning and redecorating or large-scale retrofit works, can be expensive, disruptive and only partially effective. Modern materials that combine practicality with performance are beginning to offer an alternative.
In this article, Luke Brooks, Senior Commercial Manager Specialist for Packed Products at Limelite, explores how breathable plaster systems can provide long-term, cost-effective solutions for managing damp and mould in student accommodation.
Understanding the scale of the problem
Damp and mould remain a significant issue across UK housing, with over one million homes affected. Within the private rental sector, where a large proportion of students live, the scale of the challenge is even greater. The sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with 4.7 million households now renting privately, and more than a quarter of landlords reporting damp or mould in their properties.
Student accommodation is particularly exposed to these issues. The UK’s student population exceeded 2.9 million in the 2023/24 academic year, and with a projected shortfall of more than 600,000 beds by 2026, increasing numbers of students are being pushed into older, less energy-efficient housing stock.
While newer developments are typically designed with modern ventilation, insulation and moisture control in mind, much of the existing housing used by students lacks these features, further widening the quality gap between accommodation types.
A further challenge lies in the type of buildings often used for student accommodation. Many properties are older, traditional homes, with some bordering on heritage status and others formally protected. These buildings are typically constructed with solid brick or stone walls and were not designed with modern insulation or ventilation standards in mind. As a result, they are more prone to cold surfaces, moisture retention and condensation, and their construction requires sensitive treatment. For example, inappropriate modern materials can trap moisture within the fabric of the building, exacerbating damp issues over time. This makes it essential to adopt solutions that respect the original performance of the structure while effectively managing moisture.
High occupancy living, combined with the characteristics of older buildings, creates the ideal conditions for moisture build up. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors generate significant levels of airborne moisture, which, without adequate ventilation and insulation, condense on cold surfaces and lead to mould growth.
Why traditional approaches often fall short
Many of the current interventions to help tackle damp and mould rely on superficial solutions, including cleaning, redecorating and the application of anti-mould treatments. While these can provide short-term improvements, they do not address the underlying causes of damp, such as moisture trapped within the building fabric or poor thermal performance. As a result, mould often returns within a short period, particularly in high-occupancy environments like student housing.
More comprehensive measures, such as solid wall insulation, can improve performance but are often impractical in this sector. They can be costly, labour-intensive and disruptive, making them difficult to implement within the limited windows available between student tenancies. For providers managing large portfolios, these constraints can make long-term solutions seem out of reach.
Modern breathable plasters as a practical solution
This is where modern breathable plaster systems, such as Limelite Whitewall One Coat Plaster, come into their own. Designed to be easy to apply and fast-drying, they provide a breathable finish that helps prevent recurring damp and mould. Unlike traditional gypsum-based materials, breathable plasters allow moisture within walls to escape naturally, reducing the conditions that enable mould growth and helping interiors remain healthier over time. Their performance also extends to thermal efficiency. By incorporating expanded perlite, these plasters improve insulation, making walls warmer to the touch and reducing the risk of condensation forming on cold surfaces. This enhanced thermal performance supports more comfortable living environments while directly addressing one of the key drivers of damp.
Lime-based materials are also naturally alkaline, which discourages the growth of mould and bacteria. This inherent property helps break the cycle of recurring damp problems, supporting longer-lasting results after treatment. By combining breathability, improved insulation and mould-inhibiting characteristics, Limelite plasters enable accommodation providers to tackle moisture issues at source, reducing repeat interventions and improving student satisfaction.
Lime-based materials are also naturally alkaline, which discourages the growth of mould and bacteria. This inherent property helps break the cycle of recurring damp problems, supporting longer-lasting results after treatment. By combining breathability, improved insulation and mould-inhibiting characteristics, these systems enable accommodation providers to tackle moisture issues at source, reducing repeat interventions and improving student satisfaction.
Breaking the cycle in student accommodation
With demand for student housing continuing to rise and expectations increasing, providers cannot rely on short-term fixes. Persistent damp and mould not only lead to higher maintenance costs but also impact student wellbeing, academic performance and overall satisfaction with accommodation.
In an environment where students are increasingly comparing older shared houses with modern student accommodation developments, failure to address these issues risks widening dissatisfaction and reducing the attractiveness of traditional rental properties.
Using breathable plaster systems provides a pragmatic route forward. By addressing moisture management, thermal performance and mould resistance in a single intervention, providers can move away from reactive maintenance and towards more sustainable, long-term solutions. This approach reduces disruption, supports operational efficiency and enhances the overall quality of accommodation.
Balancing cost, effectiveness and student wellbeing
Modern plaster systems offer a balance between practical delivery and long-term performance. They provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for student accommodation, enabling maintenance programmes to be delivered efficiently without compromising on quality.
By improving internal conditions and reducing the likelihood of recurring issues, providers can create healthier living environments that support student wellbeing while also protecting their assets and budgets.
Ensuring long-term success
Skilled application remains important, but modern systems are designed for ease of use, helping to streamline installation and reduce programme times. Fast-drying, one-coat solutions allow properties to be turned around quickly, making them particularly suited to the cyclical nature of student lettings.
In student accommodation, where high occupancy and older building stock often combine to create challenging conditions, embracing practical, performance-driven materials is essential. By doing so, providers can address damp and mould at its source, improve living standards and ensure their properties remain fit for purpose in the years ahead.