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Online maps maintenance: 20th November 2024

Damp, condensation and mould

We promise to take quick and effective action to deal with damp, condensation, and mould (DCM) issues in our tenants' homes. We know that underlying structural issues may cause DCM, so we actively work to prevent, find, and solve these causes.

Instead of blaming DCM on lifestyle, we work with tenants, occupants, and others to build trust, provide education, and encourage understanding of the issues.

After any advice has been given, or changes have been made in the home, we will follow up to make sure they have worked.

If you find DCM in your home, both you and us, as your landlord, need to act.

View the damp, condensation and mould guide for tenants (PDF 651KB).

What causes damp

Damp can be caused by repairs that are needed so we will make sure that the building fabric of your home is free from defects such as:

  • Leaking pipes
  • Damaged or blocked drains and guttering
  • Leaking roofs
  • Damaged outside walls
  • Damaged seals around toilets, baths and showers

If you have condensation or damp in your home you may see signs of:

  • Damp or wet walls and windows
  • Peeling wallpaper
  • Signs of mould growth
  • Musty smell on clothes in wardrobes

How to reduce condensation

You will get condensation if your home is unable to deal with the moisture that is produced by just living in it. This can be due to a range of reasons, such as:

  • Lack of ventilation
  • Lack of insulation
  • Lack of heating
  • Day to day activities such as breathing, cooking, bathing, and drying clothes

Heat your home

In cold weather leave the heating on and heat all rooms, even at a lower temperature. Low heat over a longer period in all rooms, including unused rooms, is better than no heat or a sudden burst of high heat.

Keep your home ventilated

Open windows, use extractor fans and don't close or block the trickle vents in your windows.

Reduce moisture in the air

Dry clothes outside when possible. If drying clothes inside, do so in the kitchen or bathroom with the extractor fan running. Make sure any tumble dryer is vented to the outside and cover pans when cooking.

How to clean mould

Mould can be wiped down with a solution of 80% white vinegar to 20% water. For stubborn areas, you can make a cleaning paste by mixing a couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of vinegar until you get a thick paste.

Don't clean mould with bleach or a vacuum because this can cause mould spores to go into the air, and could cause health issues.

Report issues

If you have any concerns regarding the presence of damp, condensation and mould in your home, you can report these to us by: 

What happens after

Within 5 working days of you reporting your concerns, we aim to have your home inspected by either the Clerk of Work, tradesperson, or another member of staff, depending on the nature of your concern.

If needed, we will carry out repairs to the outside of your home as quickly as possible, and you will be told how long this will take once we know what work is needed.

We aim to follow up with all tenants within 3 months of the completion of any works we have carried, or from our initial visit, even if that was just to give you information and advice.