Damp & Mould

Condensation

What does condensation dampness look like?

Condensation dampness usually:

• Does not leave a tidemark

• Appears in areas with poor air circulation, such as:

  • Corners of rooms

  • Behind furniture

  • Inside cupboards and wardrobes

If left untreated, it can lead to mould growth.

Is it condensation or dampness?

Dampness means unwanted moisture or water is present in your home. This can be caused by:

• Missing or faulty damp-proof courses (more common in older properties)

• Building defects allowing rain in (e.g. damaged roofs or walls)

• Leaking pipes, overflows, or plumbing faults

• Condensation from moisture in the air

• Drying out in newly built or recently improved homes

Condensation is one of the main causes of dampness.

How is condensation dampness caused?

There is always some moisture in the air, even if you can’t see it. Condensation happens when the air becomes too full of moisture or when it cools down.

Warm, moist air created by everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and drying clothes moves around your home and settles on colder surfaces such as windows, walls, and furniture. When this warm air hits a cold surface, it turns into water droplets.

Condensation is most common in winter, when surfaces are colder, even if it isn’t raining outside.

What can you do to reduce condensation?

You can help reduce condensation by managing moisture, improving ventilation, and keeping your home at a steady temperature.

1. Produce less moisture

• Cover pans when cooking

• Vent tumble dryers to the outside

• Avoid paraffin or bottled gas heaters (they produce a lot of moisture)

• Dry clothes outdoors or in a designated drying area where possible

Drying clothes indoors can produce up to 9 pints of moisture, compared to around 2 pints from a shower.

If you need to dry clothes indoors:

• Use a bathroom or kitchen with an extractor fan

• Open a window slightly and keep the door closed

• Ensure tumble dryers are vented outside

2. Ventilate your home

• Open windows or use trickle vents regularly, especially in bedrooms

• Use extractor fans or open windows when cooking or bathing

• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed during use

• Allow air to circulate in cupboards and wardrobes

Avoid placing furniture directly against external walls. Leave a small gap to prevent trapped moisture and hidden mould growth.

3. Heat your home consistently

• Aim to keep your home above 17°C during colder months

• Consistent warmth helps prevent condensation forming on walls and surfaces

• Your home does not need to be very hot, steady heating is more effective

4. Reduce draughts (but allow fresh air)

• Report any unusual draughts to maintenance staff

• Do not block permanent vents these are important for safety and airflow

What will we do as your landlord?

When you report damp or mould, we will:

• Take your report seriously and respond promptly

• Arrange an inspection

• Identify the cause of the problem

• Carry out repairs where required (e.g. leaks, structural issues, ventilation)

• Provide advice and support to help prevent the issue from returning

We are committed to ensuring your home is safe, warm, and free from damp and mould.

What is mould?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditions. It spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air and often appears as black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces.

Mould can damage your home and may affect your health, particularly if you have allergies or breathing problems.

Dealing with mould

Condensation dampness can lead to mould appearing in your home.

The most effective way to prevent mould from returning is to reduce condensation. Once the moisture problem is addressed and the mould is treated, it should not come back.

To remove mould:

• Wipe affected areas using a fungicidal wash, following the manufacturer’s instructions

• You can buy mould treatment products from local shops or online. If using on timber, please ensure the product is suitable for that surface.

Additional steps:

• Dry clean mildewed clothes and shampoo affected carpets

• Avoid brushing mould, as this can release spores into the air and increase the risk of breathing problems

After treatment:

• Redecorate using a fungicidal paint to help prevent mould returning

• Note: this paint will not be effective if covered with standard paint or wallpaper