What is damp and mould?
Damp and mould can happen when there are leaks, rain coming in or moisture from the ground in basement or ground-floor homes.
Everyday activities like cooking, showering or drying clothes indoors also create moisture. If it can’t escape, it turns into condensation - water that collects on cooler surfaces such as tiles, windows or walls. Over time, this can soak into plaster or wallpaper and lead to mould.
If you’re struggling with damp or mould, please let us know.
What you can do to prevent damp and mould
We’re here to help if you’re experiencing damp and mould. There are also simple things you can do to help prevent it. Here are our top tips:
Good ventilation
Condensation is less likely to happen in well-ventilated homes.
Avoid covering air bricks or ventilation holes and keep extractor fans switched on and clear.
Leave a small gap between furniture and the wall to let air flow and try to avoid overfilling wardrobes and cupboards.
Open windows slightly, even for 10 minutes a day and make sure your window’s trickle vents (if you have them) are open and not blocked.
Reduce moisture
Managing humidity can help stop damp and mould from growing.
When you’re cooking, use lids on pans to help reduce steam and condensation in your kitchen. It also means you can turn down the heat on your hob, saving energy and money.
Use an extractor fan if you have one or open a window ideally for 20 minutes after you’ve finished cooking. You can also close kitchen doors to stop condensation spreading to other rooms.
If you use a tumble dryer, use a condensing one, or make sure the exhaust vent is installed properly. Don’t just let the hose hang out of a window.
Avoid drying clothes on radiators – it makes rooms more humid and harder to heat. Use an airer instead, and if possible, keep the room cool with a window slightly open and the door closed.
Dehumidifiers can help keep small spaces dry and also help clothes to dry quickly.
In the mornings, wipe your windows down, condensation often collects around the edges.
Control the temperature in your home
Having a low background heat is a good way to help cut down on the amount of condensation in your home.
Make sure you seal your doors and windows properly to help regulate the airflow and temperature in your home.
Close your blinds or curtains once it gets dark to help keep heat in. Remember to open them again during the day to help the airflow around your windows and doors.
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Awaab's Law
Awaab’s Law came into force in October 2025. It’s named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who sadly died after being exposed to mould in his home.
Under the new law, social landlords like us must investigate and repair serious damp and mould within set timeframes and fix emergency issues within 24 hours.
We’re already committed to fixing damp and mould as quickly as possible and Awaab’s Law aims to improve how we do this.
Take the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings' quiz
Find out what factors might be contributing to your home’s moisture levels being out of balance.
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