Damp and mould

Please contact us to arrange a property inspection if you have any concerns about damp or mould in your home.

What is damp?

There are four main types of dampness that could affect your home. It is important to understand the difference between them.

1. Rising damp

This is caused by water rising from the ground into the home - this will only affect ground floor rooms. Signs include crumbling plaster, "tide mark" low down on ground floor walls and white salts on affected areas. Black mould is rarely seen as building salts are present which prevent the growth of black mould.

2. Penetrating damp

This is caused by a defect outside the home, such as missing pointing to the brickwork, faulty guttering, cracked rendering or missing roof tiles. Signs include damp patches on walls or ceilings which darken after rain. Black mould is rarely seen as it is usually too wet and building salts are present which prevent the growth of black mould.

3. Defecting plumbing

Leaks from water and waste pipes, most common in bathrooms and kitchens. Signs include areas feeling damp to touch and remaining damp regardless of the weather conditions. Black mould is rarely seen as it is usually too wet and detergent is often present which prevents mould growth.

4. Condensation

This is caused by moisture in the air in your home turning into water from activities such as cooking, cleaning, bathing and even breathing. Condensation will form on the coldest surfaces in the room first, usually around windows, the corners of the room, and external walls. Condensation mainly occurs during cold weather, regardless of whether it is raining or dry. Black mould is frequently seen on this type of dampness. Signs include water droplets and black mould appearing on colder surfaces such as walls, windows, ceilings or mirrors. Steps you can take to reduce mould and condensation can be found below.

What is mould?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows and develops in damp or humid conditions where condensation is present. Mould is reduced by keeping your home warm, well ventilated and minimising the amount of moisture that's released into the air within your home. Steps you can take to reduce mould and condensation can be found below.

Steps you can take to reduce condensation and mould

1. Ventilate your home

Keep trickle vents open at all times
Do not block air vents open at all times
Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. If you do not have an extractor fan or it is broken, please report this to us as a repair.

2. Minimise the amount of moisture in your home

Dry clothes outside, or in a room (preferably the bathroom) with a window open/extractor fan running, and door closed. Avoid putting wet clothes on a radiator.
Keep lids on saucepans when cooking and ventilate the kitchen with a window open or extractor fan running, and door closed. Wipe away any excess water on tiling and worktops.
Run the extractor fan or open a window when bathing and wipe away any excess water on floors and tiling. Running cold water in the bath before adding hot water reduces condensation.
Wipe down condensation from windows and other areas each morning and open the window for a while.
Ensure air can circulate freely around the home, including around larger pieces of furniture.

3. Heat your home

It's recommended to keep living rooms heated to 21 degrees and keep bedrooms at 18 degrees. You do not have to maintain these temperatures all the time but try to reach them for part of the day.
Ensure your home is evenly heated, to prevent certain rooms becoming too cold and causing condensation
The cost of living has increased for everyone. Useful information is available at www.sholland.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.We have also established a Cost of Living Response Team to help tenants with budgeting, find cheaper utility tariffs and consider cheaper ways of living. Please contact your Housing Officer if you would like to be referred into this service.

4. Wipe down patches of mould

Use an anti-fungal spray purchased from a hardware store or supermarket in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. This helps to limit any spread. You might need to do this at least twice a month in winter.
After treating any mould issues, you might want to redecorate using a fungicidal paint to help prevent recurring mould.

Steps we will take if damp or mould is reported

If you report a damp, mould or condensation problem we will arrange for a Surveyor to inspect your property. We aim to complete this inspection within 28 days. We may ask you to supply photos with us before the appointment.

At the appointment we will:

Check for property defects using specialised equipment
Book repairs appointments where any remedial works are needed
Give you advice on any steps you can take.