Damp and mould are common issues in UK homes, especially during colder months. Understanding the causes and how to tackle them can help protect your health and your property. This page covers three key areas: condensation, penetrating damp, and mould removal.
Condensation
Condensation is the most common form of damp in the home. It occurs when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, like windows or walls, and turns into water droplets.
Common causes include:
- Poor ventilation e.g. blocked air bricks or no extractor fans
- Drying clothes indoors without adequate airflow
- Cooking or showering without using an extractor fan or opening the window
How to reduce condensation:
- Open windows regularly or use trickle vents
- Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Avoid drying clothes indoors; if you have to use a dehumidifier or open the window
- Keep your home at a consistent temperature
Damp due to disrepair
Damp can also happen when water enters your home through external defects. This is often due to disrepair and can affect walls, ceilings, and floors.
Signs of damp:
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Musty smells
- Visible water ingress
- Tide mark on the wall about 1 metre from the floor
Common causes:
- Broken or missing roof tiles
- Cracked render or brickwork
- Blocked or leaking gutters and downpipes
- Faulty window seals
- Faulty or missing damp proof course
What to do:
- Report the issue to your landlord
- Hire a qualified surveyor or damp specialist to assess the damage*
- Repair the source of the water ingress before treating the internal damage*
*If you are renting the property you should be asking your landlord to do this.
Mould and how to clean it
Mould thrives in damp conditions and can pose health risks, especially for those with asthma or allergies.
First steps to clean mould:
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling spores
- Use a mould-specific cleaner or a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water
- Wipe affected areas with a cloth (not a brush, which can spread spores)
- Dry the area thoroughly and dispose of cleaning materials safely
- Once you have wiped it down, thoroughly clean the affected area to remove displaced spores and other debris, i.e. hoover the carpet
Preventing mould from returning:
- Improve ventilation and reduce humidity
- Consider using anti-mould or Moisture Blocking paint in problem areas
- Address the underlying damp issue (condensation or penetrating damp)
If your landlord hasn't taken action
If you've reported damp or mould to your landlord and they haven't resolved the issue, you have the right to take further action.
What to do next:
- Write to your landlord – Clearly explain the problem, what you’ve already reported, and request urgent repairs. Keep a copy of all correspondence.
- Follow your housing complaints procedure – This may involve:
Important: Landlords have a legal duty to ensure your home is safe and free from serious hazards, including damp and mould. If they fail to act, you may be able to escalate the issue through official channels.