Condensation, damp and mould

Landlords have a responsibility to fix the causes of damp and mould where it is a repair or defect.

We ask tenants to help prevent the build-up of damp and mould by ventilating and heating homes.

On this page there are some simple tips on how to reduce moisture in the air, which causes condensation. If left untreated, it can turn into mould.

The below video explains how you can manage damp and mould.

Reduce moisture

• cook with pan lids on
• use an extractor fan in kitchens and bathrooms
• dry clothes outside where possible or on a clothes airer in the bathroom with the door closed and a window slightly open to provide ventilation
• do not hang clothes on radiators to dry
• if you use a tumble dryer, make sure it is vented properly or use a condenser dryer
• put cold water in first when you run a bath
• wipe surfaces to remove excess condensation

Improve ventilation

• open windows and use trickle vents
• do not completely block chimneys and flues – fit with an air vent
• move furniture away from walls so air can circulate
• keep cupboards and wardrobes clutter free

Heat your home

• try to keep your home properly heated to a temperature of at least 18c
• it helps to provide a low heat all day
• avoid heaters that use bottled gas or paraffin as they produce lots of moisture

Removing mould

• do not disturb mould by vacuuming or brushing it
• wipe down affected areas with a fungicidal wash, following the instructions (use a product that has a Health & Safety Executive (HSE) approval number)
• use a fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste after treatment
• do not use ordinary paint on the affected area
• dry-clean any clothes that have mould/mildew on them
• shampoo any carpets that have mould on them

If there are large areas of mould in a room, council tenants should contact us to arrange a fungicidal wash.