Condensation, damp and mould in council homes and temporary accommodation

Condensation is one of the most common causes of mould growth and is caused by a combination of excess moisture in the air and poor ventilation.

Effects of excess moisture

When warm moist air comes into contact with a cold surface and cools, it condenses as water. The condensation can then soak into wallpaper, paintwork, or even plasterwork and attract black mould.

Condensation is prevalent in the colder winter months, and is often formed in the corners of rooms, near windows, and in areas where there is poor air circulation, such as behind wardrobes and beds.

There are many different causes of condensation, and depending on the household size, more than 20 litres of moisture can be released into the air within a 24 hour period.

For example, a two-person household can produce approximately:

  • 1.1 litres of moisture washing dishes
  • 1.1 litres of moisture taking baths/showers
  • 1.7 litres of moisture breathing (16 hours)
  • 2.3 litres of moisture using a bottled gas heater (8 hours)
  • 3.4 litres of moisture cooking and using a kettle
  • 5.1 litres of moisture drying clothing indoors

The moisture is produced slowly throughout each day in different rooms across the home, with certain rooms such as the kitchen and the bathroom being the biggest contributors of condensation.

Usually condensation disperses fairly quickly and does not cause more than a minor issue. Condensation can however become a major problem for households who struggle to heat and ventilate their home, and this can become a lot worse during the winter months.

Preventing and reducing condensation

The following steps can help prevent condensation and mould:

Heating your home

Condensation is more likely to be a problem in the cold winter months, so where possible it is important to try to maintain a warm environment. Constant low heating is better than periods of extreme hot and cold.

If you are worried about the cost of heating your home and would like some advice and support then please visit the Cost of Living Hub which contains information on the support that is available for residents.

Ventilating your home

Keeping your home ventilated is one of the most important steps in tackling the problem of condensation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Open windows slightly, use an extractor fan when using these rooms and do not cover air vents. These steps will help to direct moisture outside the house and prevent condensation in your home.

Keeping kitchen and bathroom doors closed when in use will also prevent steam from escaping into colder rooms.

Vacuum regularly

Mould feeds on dust, and regular vacuuming helps to remove mould spores and the dust.

Warmth versus ventilation

It is very important to strike a balance between warmth and ventilation. By opening windows it may seem that you are losing heat, but you are actually removing warm moisture-laden air and refreshing your home with cool dry air which is cheaper to heat. So not only do you reduce condensation, but your home also becomes more affordable to heat meaning you save money and have a healthier living environment.

Reducing and removing moisture

To reduce moisture levels in your home:

  • Cover pans when cooking
  • Dry clothes outside if you have outdoor space
  • Use a vented tumble dryer
  • Leave a gap between furniture and walls to increase air circulation
  • Open windows when running a bath/showering

Types of damp

There are different types of damp and that can lead to mould growth.

Leaks/penetrating damp

Dampness can be caused by water leaking through internal damaged pipework, a failed stopcock or via faulty bath/window seals. Penetrating damp is a result of external moisture entering the home through its external structure and is made worse during periods of heavy rainfall. This is often a result of gaps in brickwork, roof or windows, and if there are structural issues (e.g. broken guttering, roof defects or window frames).

Rising damp

Dampness that is mainly seen in basement level and ground floor properties, with moisture rising from the earth effecting flooring, plaster, wallpaper and skirting boards which is caused by a defective or non-existent damp proof membrane. Rising damp is likely to occur throughout the year but will be more prominent during colder months.

If you already have condensation and mould

If you already have condensation and mould in your home, there are things you can do to avoid it getting worse.

Condensation

You may notice that condensation is present on windows throughout the day and especially in the mornings. It is therefore good practice to wipe windows and sills with a clean dry cloth each morning to remove any water that has settled and remember to keep sills clutter free.

Remove small mould patches

You should always contact us first if mould patches begin to develop in your property so that we can arrange to remove the mould and investigate the cause.

However, if you do decide to remove mould yourself, make sure you wear gloves and follow these steps:

  • Wash the mould growths with bleach and water (one part bleach to four parts water)
  • Clean with a mould spray (fungicidal spray)
  • Leave surfaces to dry with plenty of ventilation
  • Do not reuse cloths infected with mould/spores as this will spread the problem

For a printable copy of this information and advice, please see our condensation, damp and mould leaflet.

If you need help with damp and mould

If you are a council tenant or living in temporary accommodation and notice there is damp and mould in your property, you should contact the mould removal team.

Request a repair

The contact details for the mould removal team are:

The contact numbers for the area teams are:

  • Central Area: 020 8871 5333
  • Eastern Area: 020 8871 7439 
  • Southern Area: 020 8871 7288 
  • Western Area: 020 8871 5530
  • Property Management Team: 020 8871 8846

After you have reported the issue

Once you have reported a problem, arrangements will be made for any mould to be removed and the property inspected by a housing officer who is trained to inspect, diagnose and advise on repair and improvement options to tackle the underlying cause of the problem.

You will also be provided with detailed advice as to how to reduce and prevent condensation, damp, and mould in your property. If repairs or improvements are needed the housing officer will provide details of the works and an indication as to when they will be completed.

On completion of any works you will be contacted to ensure that you are satisfied with the standard of the repairs or improvements. Should there be a re-occurrence of mould growth you will need to contact the mould removal team again who will arrange for the mould to be removed and a further investigation will take place.

Housing Ombudsman

If a complaint has been made by one of our tenants or leaseholders then we will always work with them to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and will endeavour to ensure the best outcome for the complainant.

If however you feel your complaint is not being dealt with effectively, you have a right to escalate your complaint straight to the Housing Ombudsman:

Up to Repairs and maintenance to council properties

Updated: 02/05/2023