One of the main causes of damp and mould is condensation. As the name suggests, condensation is water which has “condensed” from warm, moist air on contact with a cold surface. 

Air holds water in the form of water vapour.

While it is not always visible, there is always some moisture in the air. It 
is noticeable when the mirror mists over after a shower, or when you 
see your breath on a cold day. 
When lots of condensation occurs in a building, mould may appear 
on cold external walls, around windows and in places where the air 
does not circulate well. It can be fairly common for it to appear in 
bathrooms and kitchens as the moisture levels will be high. 
Excessive moisture can damage clothes, furnishing and decoration. 
It can leave a musty smell. Severe condensation may exacerbate 
health problems like asthma, bronchitis, arthritis and rheumatism.

Not all damp is caused by condensation. Damp can also occur when a fault in a building lets water in from the ground or outside. Penetrative 
damp and rising damp are the two types to be particularly aware of. 
Penetrating damp occurs when water is coming in through the walls, roof or cracks. For example, it may travel under a loose roof tile, leaking pipe or waste overflow. 

Rising damp is relatively rare. The usual evidence of rising damp 
is a ‘tide mark’ on the walls that shows how the water has risen up 
through the walls. If there are signs of rising damp it can mean there 
is a problem with the damp proof course. 

If you suspect penetrating or rising damp in your property, inform 
your manager immediately. 

Stop moisture build up 

• Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles 
• Cover boiling pans 
• Do not hang washing over radiators 
• Close bathroom and kitchen doors to prevent steam 

Ventilate your home

• When cooking or washing, open windows or extractors 
• When drying clothes inside, do so in small rooms with the 
windows open 
• Open windows for a while during the day or use trickle/ night vents 
• Allow air to circulate around furniture and cupboards. You can do 
this by making sure cupboards and wardrobes are not overfilled 
and there is space between the furniture and wall

Heating your home 

• Maintain a low heat when the weather is cold or wet as this is more 
effective than short bursts of high heat 
• Set your heating to provide warmth in all rooms, including those 
which are unused
• Use thermostatically-controlled radiator valves (where available) 
to control room temperatures 
• Avoid using paraffin or flueless bottled gas heaters
• Use a dehumidifier if required

Mould is a living organism which needs killing to remove.

To do this:
• Wipe down affected areas with fungicidal wash. Ensure that the 
cleaning product you use carries a Health and Safety Executive 
(HSE) approved number and always follow the manufacturer’s 
instructions for use and storage 
• Do not use bleach or washing up liquid 
• Dry clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets 
• Do not brush or vacuum mould as this releases spores into the air, 
increasing the risk of respiratory problems

If you suspect penetrating or rising damp in your property, inform 
your manager immediately. 

Read the Damp and Mould Policy

Read guidance from government on understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould.