Dealing with Damp & condensation

Damp and mould in your home can have serious consequences for you and anyone else living with you.

Definitions:

•             Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface, turning vapour into water droplets

•             Damp is the presence of excessive moisture, whether from condensation or other sources (like leaks or rising damp)

•             Mould is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places, often appearing in patches on walls and ceilings

Causes of Damp and Condensation:

•             Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors

•             Poor ventilation

•             Cold windows, walls, and pipes cause condensation to form

•             Leaking pipes

•             Moisture coming up from the ground can cause dampness, also known as rising damp

 Consequences of Damp and Mould:

•             Health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.

•             Property damage

•             Damp and mould can create musty or unpleasant odours

Ways of Preventing and Addressing Damp, Condensation, and Mould:

  • Improve ventilation: ensure vents and extractor fans are working, open windows or use extractor fans after showering, cooking, or drying clothes indoors. 

  • Use dehumidifiers

  • Address leaks: repair or report any leaks in pipes or roofs promptly. 

  • Report it: If you have persistent damp or mould problems, speak to Rydon as soon as possible

  • Heat your home: keep your home between 18-21c to reduce condensation, speak to the Housing Office if you’re struggling with bills

What does the law say?

Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, this includes being free from damp and mould, and "Awaab's Law" strengthens this duty, requiring social landlords to address these issues within strict timeframes.

Awaab's Law was introduced in response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 and will require social landlords to address damp and mould hazards within strict timeframes.

From October 2025, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timescales: including investigating hazards within 14 days, commencing repairs within 7 days of a written report, and completing emergency repairs within 24 hours, or offering alternative accommodation.

Tenants can take legal action against landlords if these duties are breached and maybe be able to claim rent reductions or refunds.

For more information, or to discuss the topic with a member of our team, please get in touch via canningtown@pinnaclegroup.co.uk or 020 3701 3658.

The information below may also provide helpful advice to managing damp and condensation in your home.