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Damp and mould in your home – and how to reduce the risk

If you have problems with damp or mould in your home, we need to know about it. Please report it to us on 0800 052 2526, option 2.

If you report damp or mould to us, we will arrange to visit you to see what we can do to help and to check for any problems with the property itself. There are things you might be able to do too.

Condensation forms when the air indoors can’t hold any more moisture and it can cause mould. Mould looks like small black, grey or green spots on the wall or on other surfaces in your home.

We’re here to help. If you have any concerns, please get in touch.

 

Call us on 0800 052 2526

  • Option 2 to report damp or mould
  • Option 3 for help and advice on heating your home

What can you do to prevent mould growing in your home?

Windows: Keep your trickle vents open on your windows. Regularly open your windows slightly to air your home. Ideally, curtains should finish just above the window sill and not touch the glass, which can lead to mould. Try to avoid covering radiators with long curtains, this can stop heat radiating into the room.
Furniture: Leave a gap between your furniture and outside walls. It’s best not to put furniture in front of radiators, as this can prevent heat from radiating into the room. Also, avoid putting mattresses directly on the floor. This prevents pockets of still, moist air from forming.
Kitchen: When cooking or washing clothes, it’s best to keep the kitchen door closed and open
a window. Keep lids on pans and, if you have an extractor fan, switch it on to send the wet air outside. (Your fan may have a humidistat which automatically boosts when the humidity rises.)
Bathroom: When you’re showering, open the window. If you have an extractor fan make sure it’s on and keep the door closed to stop moisture spreading. (Your fan may have a humidistat which automatically boosts when the humidity rises.)

Outside walls: Check there are no bin bags or other objects against the outer walls of your home. These prevent ventilation and sunlight from warming the walls.

Drying clothes: It’s best to avoid drying clothes directly on radiators, an airer is more efficient. Drying clothes indoors will add more moisture into the air so if possible choose a room where there is good ventilation as this will help to reduce condensation. A tumble dryer helps as long as it’s plumbed in properly so the wet air goes outside.

Heating: Keeping your home warm reduces the amount of condensation that forms on surfaces. If you’re worried about the cost of heating your home, or want to make sure you are receiving the right help towards your energy bills, contact us to speak with your Tenancy Support Officer on 0800 052 2526, option 3.