Damp and Mould Policy

9.1    When a report of damp, mould or condensation is received, our staff will ask relevant questions to try to identify possible causes and any vulnerabilities or individual needs of the resident.  Some causes may be obvious – such as leaking gutters or overflows. In these cases, remedial repairs will be ordered in line with our repairing timescales.

9.2     All emergency hazards will be investigated and actioned within 24 hours.

9.3    Where the cause is not immediately obvious, a surveyor or Specialist Contractor will visit the home to carry out  a standard investigation.  We will offer an appointment when the resident first reports the issue. Within 3 days of the investigation's conclusion, we will issue the summary report to the residents.

9.4     If a hazard presents a significant risk of harm, the property will be made safe and remedial works will begin within five working days of the investigation concluding or, if for some reason works cannot begin within that time frame, we will make sure works start within 12 weeks.

9.5    The purpose of the inspection is to identify the cause of the dampness, whether the issue is damp-related (e.g. rising or penetrating damp) or condensation-related.

9.6    We will carry out a standard investigation visits within 10 working days, where all findings will be recorded and a report is produced, with a summary of our findings. This will be provided within three working days of the conclusion of the investigations. If an investigation has identified relevant safety work, we will  complete the relevant safety work within 5 working days of the investigation concluding that there is a significant hazard or 24 hours after the investigation concludes that there is an emergency hazard, even if a further investigation is pending.

9.7     If we cannot determine the extent of or the underlying cause of the damp and mould, we may carry out a further investigation as soon as practicable.

9.8    If the issue is identified as condensation-based, WHBC will provide information and guidance to the resident.  This information will include a discussion on the possible causes of condensation and some solutions that may help. In most cases, once these measures have been in place for a few weeks, the issue is reduced or eliminated.

9.9    If the issue is identified as building related, the remedial works will be identified and scheduled appropriately based on the survey recommendations. The resident is informed of the works that will be undertaken and the timescales.

9.10   For cases where there are repeated reports of damp, mould and condensation and/or where there is a dispute or no resolution; or where the visit identifies so, we may use specialist equipment to identify the cause.

9.11    We will ensure no blame is attached to any damp and mould case and language and actions reflect an appropriate and non-judgemental approach. 

9.12    If there is reason to suspect that the damp and mould issue is more widespread than one property, WHBC, will review adjacent or neighbouring properties.

9.13    If it is an emergency hazard and we cannot make the property safe i.e. complete the safety works (using temporary measures if needed) or begin any required repair works within 24 hours a reasonable time we will offer temporary accommodation at the council expense. Please refer to the Decant Policy.

9.14    If the tenant declines temporary accommodation, they can either stay with family or friends instead or choose to stay at the property whilst the property is made safe.

9.15    A diagram of the process is provided in Appendix 1.