Healthy homes - Managing damp and mould in your home

This page gives guidance about managing damp and mould in your home. Alternatively, you can download our guide:

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What is damp and mould?

Damp is when there is too much moisture in your home. This causes wetness, condensation and can lead to mould growth.

Mould grows in damp conditions and appears as black or grey sometimes looking like a mushroom, usually on walls, ceilings or around windows.

Types of damp:

Condensation is the most common type of damp. It is when moisture in the air turns into water on cold surfaces, like windows and outside walls. It often happens in bathrooms and kitchens. Condensation is more likely when:

  • there is not enough fresh air (poor ventilation)
  • the room is very cold or very warm (not a steady temperature)

You may see water on windows or walls. You may also see black mould, often around windows, and notice a musty smell.

Wipe condensation away with a cloth. If you leave it, it can damage paint and plaster and can rot wooden window frames.

Penetrating damp is caused by water getting in from outside or from a leak inside the building. It can happen because of:

  • a leak in the roof, gutters or rainwater pipes
  • a leak from a water pipe in the building
  • gaps or damage in brickwork (for example, worn pointing)

Once the leak or fault is found, it is often simple to fix. The area may still take a while to dry out afterwards.

Rising damp usually affects ground-floor rooms. It happens when water from the ground soaks up into the walls or floor.

This can happen if the damp-proof course (DPC) layer in the building is missing or not working properly.

Do not pile soil, plants or rubbish against the outside wall above the damp-proof layer.

 

The health symptoms and risks linked with damp and mould

Damp and mould can affect your health, especially if it is left for a long time. Mould releases tiny spores into the air, which can irritate your airways and affect breathing. Many people have no symptoms, but some may notice mild problems.

Common symptoms can include:

  • a blocked or runny nose
  • coughing, wheezing or feeling shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • itchy, watery eyes
  • skin irritation or rashes
  • worse asthma symptoms (if you have asthma)

Some people are more likely to be affected, including babies and young children, older people, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma, allergies, eczema, or a long-term breathing condition.

If you think damp or mould is making your symptoms worse, or you get new symptoms, contact your GP for advice. If you are worried about your breathing or symptoms get worse quickly, seek urgent medical help.

Preventing damp and mould

1. Let fresh air in your home

  • Open windows for about 15-20 minutes each day if you can (and after cooking or bathing).
  • Use extractor fans when cooking, showering or bathing, and leave them on for a short time afterwards.
  • Keep vents and air bricks clear. Do not cover them.

2. Keep your home warm (steady heat)

  • In cold weather, try to keep your home at a steady temperature where possible.
  • If you can, keep rooms at around 18C or above to help prevent mould.

3. Dry clothes safely

  • Dry clothes outside or in a communal drying area if you can.
  • If you dry clothes indoors, use a clothes airer and place it in a room with a fan or open window and keep the door closed.
  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators.

4. Clean and stop moisture building up

  • Wipe water off windows and sills when you see it.
  • Clean small areas of mould with a suitable mould cleaner and follow the instructions on the label.
  • Use disposable gloves and cloths and wear a mask when cleaning mould.
  • Leave a small gap between furniture and walls so air can move around. Try not to overfill wardrobes and cupboards.

Reporting damp and mould issues

If you live in social housing or temporary accommodation

Report damp or mould to your housing provider as soon as you can. Contact the repairs team or your housing officer. With Awaabs Law, all reports of damp and mould must be looked into and fixed.

If you rent privately

Tell your landlord or letting agent as soon as you can. Give them a reasonable time to inspect and arrange repairs.

  • If the problem remains, or you are being ignored, contact Hounslow’s Environmental Health team. They can visit your home and assess the conditions. If they find health hazards, they can write to the landlord and serve an improvement notice with a deadline for the work. Contact us about enforcement action.

If you are a Council Leaseholder

As a leaseholder, you are usually responsible for repairs inside your home, including dealing with condensation and mould.

If you think the damp is being caused by the building (for example the roof, outside walls, windows, or communal areas), report it to the Council so it can be checked and repaired if it is our responsibility. You can find out more information here: Council leaseholders, freeholders and shared owners | London Borough of Hounslow

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