Reporting a problem with your rented property

You can report excessive damp or mould in your home, by using our online enquiry form.

Make an enquiry about mould or damp

What causes damp and mould

Condensation is often the cause of the damp and mould.

Condensation starts as moisture in the air caused by:

• cooking
• washing
• drying clothes on radiators, and
• breathing

When this moisture hits a cool surface such as a window or wall it condenses and forms water droplets. This creates the right environment for mould to grow.

How to reduce condensation in your home 

Control excess moisture 

• close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam from going into colder rooms
• when cooking or washing:
• let the steam escape by opening a window or using an extractor fan if you have one fitted
• leave the window open or the extractor fan on for up to 20 minutes after you have finished cooking or washing
• open some windows in other rooms for a while each day and open any trickle vents in your window frames. This allows a change of air. 
• wipe down surfaces when moisture settles to prevent mould forming
• do not block air vents and allow air to circulate around furniture and cupboards
• you must not use bottled gas or paraffin heaters as these produce a lot of moisture and are a health and safety risk

Produce less moisture 

• dry clothes outdoors whenever possible or use small ventilated rooms 
• cover fish tanks and remember that house pets and plants produce moisture as well
• cover pans when cooking
• if you have a tumble drier or washing machine, make sure it's vented under the manufacturer's instructions. 

Keep your home warm 

• Insulation and draught-proofing will keep your home warmer and cut fuel bills. When the whole house is warmer condensation is less likely to form. 
• insulating your loft and walls will help
• maintain low background heat when the weather is cold or wet
• consider installing secondary double-glazing of windows to reduce heat loss and draughts. If you wish to do this you must make sure that there is some ventilation in the room. 

Some words of warning 

• do not block permanent ventilators
• do not completely block chimneys. Leave a hole about two bricks in size and fit a louvered grille over the opening
• do not draught proof rooms where there is condensation or mould growth
• do not draught proof a room where there is a gas cooker or a fuel-burning heater, for example a gas fire
• do not draught proof windows in the bathroom or kitchen
• do not put furniture against cold external walls