Damp, mould and condensation
Properties often suffer from damp, which worsens in winter. This can harm your home's structure and furniture and lead to mould growth.
Both mould and moisture produce irritants, allergens, and toxins that pose health risks. They can weaken your immune system, worsen respiratory conditions like asthma, and damage your lungs.
Common types of damp
There are three common types of damp found in residential properties:
- Penetrating damp
- Rising damp
- Condensation and mould
The Centre for Sustainable Energy has guidance on how to deal with damp and condensation, including examples of these different types of damp.
Preventing and addressing damp and mould
Keeping the house warm, boosting airflow, and avoiding moisture buildup are the keys to preventing damp and mould.
If you are struggling to insulate or heat your home, read our advice for making your home more energy efficient.
Other ways to stop condensation and mould growth include:
- Using extractor fans to increase ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
- Putting lids on saucepans and closing interior doors when cooking or taking a shower
- Allowing space for ventilation between furniture and outside walls
- Drying garments outside (if you can) or next to a window that's slightly open while the door is closed
- Keeping garments off of radiators to dry
- Aiming to keep the major living rooms indoors between 18 and 21°C when it's chilly outside
- Drying your windows and any damp surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom in the morning
- Using dehumidifiers to reduce airborne moisture
- Using specialised mould-removing treatments to eliminate mould. Be careful to use in compliance with the directions provided by the manufacturer
- Consulting professionals to get rid of larger wet areas
- Filling a bath first with cold water, then add hot water to cut down on steam
Support for private tenants
If you're a private renter experiencing damp or mould, you must inform your landlord or letting agency in writing and keep a copy of this correspondence. Detail the issues, potential health impacts, and any damaged furniture.
If your landlord or agency fails to respond or offer a sufficient resolution, you can report the matter to the Housing Standards Team using our online disrepair reporting form.
When reporting, include photographic evidence of the problem and proof you've already notified your landlord or agency.
Read more about damp and mould in private rented homes on the Shelter website.
Support for social housing tenants
If you're a social housing tenant experiencing damp or mould, immediately notify your landlord. Like private landlords, they are obligated to resolve the underlying issues causing the moisture.
If your landlord fails to act after being informed, file a formal complaint, keeping copies of all correspondence. If this doesn't resolve the issue, escalate your case to the Housing Ombudsman.
Should problems persist after these steps, report the issue to our Housing Standards Team using our online disrepair reporting form. Be sure to include evidence of the problems and your communications with both your landlord and the Housing Ombudsman.
Read more about how to deal with damp and mould in social housing on the Shelter website.