New AI driven app will identify damp and disrepair in the home

A new mobile app has been created which identifies repair and damp issues in homes.

claim.co.uk, in partnership with the University of Salford, has launched the app, aimed at transforming tenant disrepair issues. Powered by IntelOptic, a state-of-the-art AI platform, claim.co.uk offers a fast and accurate solution for identifying home disrepair and damp—common issues affecting millions of UK homes. The app is available to download in all app stores.

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in December 2020 due to severe damp and mould highlighted the urgent need for better tools to detect housing disrepair. This incident inspired the creation of the Claim.co.uk app, which empowers tenants to swiftly identify and address these issues, preventing health problems before they escalate.

At the heart of claim.co.uk is IntelOptic, an AI platform trained on over 27,000 datasets. It can analyse disrepair images in just 1.5 seconds with up to 95% accuracy, helping users detect damp, mould, and structural issues early, ensuring their homes remain safe and healthy.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Salford, claim.co.uk benefits from the expertise of AI developers and researchers, one of whom is now a full-time valued member of the claim.co.uk team. A scientific paper detailing the AI technology used in IntelOptic is currently pending publication, further validating its innovative approach.

Taha Mansouri and Ali Alameer, both lecturers in AI at the University of Salford, collaborated in developing the core computer vision model for the app. Taha said: “claim.co.uk is an impactful example of Salford’s approach to applying AI to solve real-world problems by sharing expertise and educating skilled professionals.”

By enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis of housing issues, claim.co.uk offers a significant benefit to local councils. The app reduces the need for extensive on-site inspections, allowing councils to allocate resources more efficiently. Early detection through IntelOptic means that minor issues can be addressed before they become major problems, ultimately saving time and dramatically reducing the costs associated with prolonged disrepair. This proactive approach not only improves housing conditions but also eases the financial burden on local authorities.

Unresolved complaints can rapidly escalate, resulting in costly legal proceedings. On average, legal costs to local authorities are around £15,000 per claim when complaints are not addressed early. This cutting-edge technology is designed to intervene early in the complaint process, providing robust support to manage and resolve disputes before they spiral into expensive legal action. Additionally, unresolved issues like damp and mould can have devastating health consequences, as tragically seen in the case of baby Awaab. Damp and mould-related illnesses affect thousands of people every year, leading to significant health-associated costs and, in some cases, even death.

A recent survey by Citizens Advice found that 40% of renters reported feeling stressed due to damp, mould, and excessive cold in their homes, with 36% saying it made them feel anxious. These conditions not only affect physical health but also take a heavy toll on mental well-being, underscoring the urgent need for proactive solutions. Additionally, rising heating costs make it even harder for tenants to keep their homes warm and dry, exacerbating the problem and increasing the financial and emotional strain on households.

claim.co.uk empowers claimants to help get the justice they. The app is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible even to those with limited technical knowledge. With a few simple steps and utilising AI, users can easily upload images and receive detailed analysis and recommendations.

How It Works: