Damp, mould and condensation

Reporting damp, mould and condensation

If you suspect the presence of damp or mould in your home, let us know by reporting it to your local manager, as they are responsible for logging new repairs and managing existing repairs in your location. For residents without a manager based on site, please get in touch with our Repairs Desk by calling 0800 731 2020.

Find out more about reporting repairs

Damp, mould and condensation are not only unsightly in your home, but can also be a risk to your health.

We take our responsibility to ensure residents can live safely in their homes extremely seriously and prioritise providing homes that are safe, warm and dry.

On this page, we aim to help you understand the causes of different types of damp and highlight some easy steps to reduce condensation in your home.

Causes of damp

Causes of damp can include: rising damp caused by moisture in the ground, water penetration caused by a range of defects, high-humidity, poor ventilation and condensation in the air that hasn't been able to circulate.

Condensation is the most common cause of damp which is why preventing the issue is just as important as treating it.

Types of damp

Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air contacts cooler surfaces like windows, walls, or mirrors. Over time, condensation can lead to damp and mould growth, which can damage your property.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp is caused by water seeping through external walls, windows, or the roof of a building. It can often result from structural issues, this means it’s vital that you report a repair if you suspect penetrating damp.

Rising damp

Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up into a house. This can usually be identified by its impact on lower parts of the walls, such as peeling paint or wallpaper, crumbling plaster, or a damp patch.

Damp caused by leaks

This happens when water is escaping from pipes, appliances, or roofs. The water can soak into walls, ceilings or floors and cause wet patches, mould or musty smells. As leaks can be small it’s important to fix them quickly.

Identifying damp and mould

Mould on a ceiling If you’re concerned you have damp or mould in your home, you may be able to identify it yourself.

Some of the things you may see are:

Water droplets on windows or cold walls, especially in the morning
Mould growth (usually black) around window frames, behind furniture, or on corners of wall or ceilings
Wet patches on walls or ceilings, peeling paint or wallpaper, white powder marks or tide marks
Mould can smell musty, damp, or earthy.

If you identify any of the above issues, it’s important you report them to ensure we can help keep your home safe. Mould and damp can impact your health, if you have any respiratory illness or underlying health issues and think you have damp in your property, please contact us urgently.

Looking after your home and reducing condensation

All homes are at risk of condensation and these risks can increase through the winter months. It’s possible to reduce the amount of condensation in your home, by making just a few changes:

Allow air to circulate – condensation occurs when moisture stays in the air for long periods of time. You can reduce this by opening windows for a few minutes every day, as well as leaving a gap between furniture and the walls so that air can travel through.
Take care while cooking – putting lids on pots and pans stops excess moisture entering the air. Make sure to close doors where possible, open windows to adjoining rooms and keep the extractor fan on while you cook.
Don’t let water settle – make sure to clean up any excess water, including condensation on the windowsills in the morning, wiping down the bathroom after bathing, and mopping up any spills around the house.
Dry clothes carefully – wet clothes are one of the biggest causes of moisture in our homes. Reduce condensation by drying clothes outdoors. If drying washing indoors, do so in the bathroom or kitchen, with the extractor fan running and the door closed. Never dry clothes on a radiator, as this causes spikes in humidity.
Maintain consistent, low-level heating – a great way to manage condensation is by keeping your home at a steady warm temperature, especially prior to activities such as showering, cooking, or washing. The ideal range is between 18°C and 21°C, the consistency in the temperature will help prevent condensation.
Check for mould regularly – moisture can build up easily in cupboards that are too full and between furniture and walls so make time to check wardrobes, cupboards and behind furniture for signs.

More information on tackling mould can be found on gov.uk’s guidance: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home.

Information and support with financial concerns

Homes not being properly warmed during the winter can increase the risk of damp, mould and condensation. With increasing energy prices many people are leaving their heating off for longer periods of time, which can be harmful to their health. Anchor’s BeWise service is a free and confidential advice service for residents designed to help you make the most of your money, including offering advice on how to save money on your utilities and reducing your energy usage.

Find out more about BeWise