This page gives guidance about managing damp and mould in your home. Alternatively, you can download our guide:
On this page:
- Introduction
- Types of damp
- How to keep your home damp and mould-free
- Responsibility for damp and mould
- Reporting damp and mould issues
Introduction
Too much moisture in your home causes damp and humid living conditions, which often causes mould to grow on walls and other surfaces.
Mould can harm your health and needs to be cleaned, removed and prevented.
It is important to take early action if you are experiencing damp and mould in your home.
Types of damp:
Condensation
Condensation is the most common kind of damp. It is caused by moist air condensing on walls, particularly in rooms with a lot of air moisture.
It is made worse by:
- poor ventilation in the room
- heating that comes on and off
You may notice water droplets on windows or walls, or see dark mould appearing, particularly on glass or around windows. You may also notice an unpleasant smell.
When you see condensation you should wipe it away with a cloth. If it's left untreated, it can damage paint and plaster and cause window frames to decay.
Penetrating damp
This is caused by leaks in:
- the roof, gutter or rainwater pipes
- the mains water supply or other pipes in the building
- defects in the pointing of brickwork
Defects like this can be quite straightforward to repair once they have been identified. However, the dampness may then take some time to dry out.
Rising damp
Rising dampness can affect ground floor rooms and is caused by water from the ground getting into the walls and floors.
This is often because the building's damp-proof course (DPC) or damp-proof membrane (DPM) has failed or doesn't exist.
It is best not to piling rubbish or soil up against the outside of the house above the level of the DPC.
How to keep your home damp and mould-free
Ventilate
Ventilate your home at regular intervals, and always:
- in the morning
- after cooking
- after a shower or bath
The best way to do this is to open windows on opposite sides of your home for around ten minutes. This will allow clean, dry air to circulate and moist air to escape. This will reduce condensation.
Always keep air ventilation ducts clean and clear of obstructions. You shouldn't ever cover them.
Keep a constant temperature
In colder weather, use your heating system to keep your home's temperature constant. It’s better to do this than put your heating on for short periods.
A temperature of 18 degrees or above will reduce the risk of mould growth. Heating your home this way is cheaper too.
Use an extractor fan
Always make use of electrical extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, especially at times of cooking and bathing.
Keep clothes off radiators
Instead, use an outdoor washing line or communal drying area if you have one.
If these are not available, hang damp washing on a clothes horse in a room with an extractor fan, such as a kitchen or bathroom. Switch on the fan, open the windows slightly and close the door to the room, to allow the water vapours to escape the room.
If you use a tumble dryer, make sure the room and the appliance are vented.
Wash off mould
Wash off mould growth from walls and ceilings with suitable mould remover to avoid further growth.
Remove moisture
Clean and wipe moisture from windows when it appears to prevent mould growth.
Allow space for circulation
Leave space between the walls and items such as beds and sofas, to allow air to circulate. Try not to overfill wardrobes, cupboards, or rooms as this will restrict air movement.
Responsibility for damp and mould
Council-rented properties:
Residents have a responsibility to follow the guidance on this page to reduce, remove and keep their home damp and mould-free.
This also includes reporting damp and mould issues. See ‘Reporting damp and mould issues’ below.
Landlords are responsible for facilities and structural issues in your home, such as heating, plumbing and ventilation.
Any issues of dampness caused by plumbing or rainwater leaks are also the landlord’s responsibility.
Other properties:
Homeowners and leaseholders are responsible for any damp and mould in their homes. They can also follow the same guidance on this page to reduce, remove and keep your home damp and mould-free.
- Further information for leaseholders: Leaseholders’ repair responsibilities
Reporting damp and mould issues
If you're a council tenant, you can request a housing repair.
If you live in a privately-rented property or registered provider home (RP), you should first approach your landlord. If you wish to escalate, you can contact us about enforcement action.
If you live in a house in multiple occupation (HMO), you can report a problem with an HMO.
