Understanding damp, condensation and mould
What is condensation?
Condensation happens when moist, warm air inside the home touches a colder surface, such as a window or external wall. When this happens, the moisture in the air turns into water droplets.
You my notice:
- Water on windows in the morning
- Mould in corners or around window frames
- A damp or musty smell
- Wallpaper lifting or paint bubbling
- Walls feeling colder or slightly damp
Condensation is usually linked to everyday activities like cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors, especially when rooms are not ventilated well or are cooler than usual.
What is damp?
Damp is a general term for too much unwanted moisture inside a property. It can lead to mould, wet patches, or persistent unpleasant smells. Damp can come from how the home is used or from issues with the building.
There are three main types of damp:
- Penetrating damp: Moisture enters through the building from the outside, often due to things like a leaking roof, cracks in walls, or faulty window seals.
- Condensation damp: Caused by a build-up of condensation that isn’t managed or ventilated away.
- Rising damp: Moisture travels upward from the ground into walls when the damp-proof layer is damaged or missing.
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, humid places. It forms when moisture builds up on surfaces and stays there for a long time. Mould can appear in many colours (commonly black, green or white) and often has a slightly musty or earthy smell.
Mould is usually present in places where air doesn’t circulate well or where moisture is often present, such as:
- Around windows
- On external wall
- In bathrooms and kitchens
- Behind furniture
- In corners of rooms
Health impacts of damp and mould
Breathing and lung-related effects
Damp and mould release tiny airborne particles that can irritate the airways and make breathing more difficult. People may notice coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or worsening asthma symptoms, and prolonged exposure increases the chance of respiratory infections.
Allergic and skin reactions
Mould can trigger reactions such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and irritated skin. It may also make conditions like eczema flare up. These effects can occur from breathing in spores or through contact with damp or mould-affected surfaces.
Who is most at risk?
Some people are more sensitive to damp conditions and may be affected more severely or more quickly. This includes babies, young children, older adults, individuals with existing breathing problems, people with weakened immune systems and those who already experience skin sensitivities. Damp environments can also contribute to increased stress or anxiety about living conditions.
Reducing exposure
Preventing damp begins with identifying why moisture is building up, whether through leaks, condensation or building defects. Small patches of mould can sometimes be cleaned safely, but widespread growth or mould linked to structural issues will usually require professional treatment. People whose symptoms are affected by mould should avoid attempting removal themselves.
When to get medical advice
Persistent coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or recurring infections may be signs that damp or mould is affecting health. Medical attention is especially important for children, older adults and anyone with long-term conditions. Any sudden or severe breathing difficulties should be treated as urgent.
Causes of damp, condensation and mould
Moisture created in the home
Many everyday activities release moisture into the air. Cooking, bathing, showering, drying clothes indoors and general day-to-day living all product water vapour. When this moisture cannot escape, it settles on cooler surfaces, increasing the likelihood of condensation and mould growth.
Ventilation problems
Poor ventilation is one of the most common reasons damp becomes a persistent issue. Blocked vents, broken or weak extractor fans, limited airflow and insufficient insulation mean that moist air remains trapped inside the home. Without a way for fresh air to circulate, condensation builds up quickly and creates the ideal environment for damp and mould to develop.
Heating issues
Inconsistent or inadequate heating can also contribute to damp. Cold surfaces, underheated rooms and irregular heating patterns encourage moisture in the air to settle on walls, windows and other cool areas. These cold spots become more prone to damp patches and mould over time.
Structural or property Issues
Sometimes the source of damp comes from faults within the property itself. Roof leaks, damaged or overflowing gutters, plumbing leaks and defective brickwork can all allow water to enter the building. When moisture repeatedly soaks into the structure, parts of the home remain damp for long periods, significantly increasing the risk of mould growth.
How to reduce condensation
Everyday habits
Simple daily actions can make a big difference in controlling condensation. Using lids while cooking helps keep steam contained, and opening windows regularly allows moist air to escape. It also helps to wipe away any condensation that forms on windows or surface each day to prevent moisture from building up.
Improving ventilation
Good airflow is essential for managing moisture in the home. Using extractor fans whenever you cook or shower to remove steam at the source. Creating cross-ventilation by briefly opening windows on opposite sides of the home can help fresh air circulate effectively. Keeping trickle vents open also allows a steady flow of background ventilation throughout the day.
In rooms with extractor fans, such as kitchens and bathrooms, keep trickle vents shut during cooking or showering. This helps the extractor dan pull moist air directly outside rather than drawing in extra air through the vents.
Heating your home effectively
Maintaining a consistent level of warmth can help reduce condensation. Keeping your home at a steady temperature prevents surfaces from becoming cold, which is where moisture tends to settle. Reducing cold spots in rooms can also lower the chance of damp forming.
Drying clothes safely
Drying laundry indoors can quickly add moisture to the air, so choosing safer drying methods is important. Using clothes airers instead of radiators helps reduce moisture build-up and placing them in well-ventilated areas speeds up drying while lowering condensation risk. Whenever possible, dry clothes in a space with open windows or good airflow.
Improving your home
Certain home improvements can significantly reduce condensation over the long term. Adding insulation helps keep internal surfaces warmer, while draught proofing can prevent cold air entering the home. Completing any repairs that affect heat retention or ventilation also supports a healthier, drier living environment.
Treating mould yourself
When It’s safe to clean mould
It’s normally safe to tackle mould yourself when it appears in small, easy-to-reach areas and can be removed using mild, non-toxic cleaning products.
Safe cleaning steps
You can gently clean hard surfaces such as walls and windows using appropriate cleaning solutions and a cloth. Soft furnishings should be cleaned carefully following the manufacturer’s guidance, ensuring they are fully dried afterwards.
When not to clean mould yourself
You should avoid cleaning mould if it covers a large area, keeps coming back, or if anyone in the home has health conditions that could be affected. In these situations, professional help is recommended.
Tenant and council responsibilities
Your responsibilities as a Council Tenant
As a tenant, you play an important role in helping prevent damp and mould in your home. This includes ventilating and heating your property appropriately and reporting any early signs of damp or mould as soon as you notice them, so issues don’t get worse. You should also make sure vents stay open and unblocked and that extractor fans are used whenever moisture is being produced, such as during cooking or bathing. These simple steps help air circulate properly and reduce the chances of moisture building up.
What the council is responsible for
The council is responsible for addressing any structural issues that may be contributing to damp, including problems with the building fabric. This also covers repairing plumbing faults, leaks and defective heating systems. The council must ensure that homes have adequate ventilation so that residents can live safely and comfortably.
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords must follow strict legal timeframes when damp and mould are reported. This means we are required to:
• Acknowledge and investigate report promptly,
• Assess the risk to health,
• Carry out repairs or remedial action within set deadlines, and
• Ensure hazards are fully resolved and not left untreated
About Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law was created following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, whose home had long-standing mould that was not properly addressed. The law ensures that all social landlords take damp and mould complaints seriously and act quickly to protect residents’ health.
It introduces mandatory response times, requiring landlords to investigate within a defined period and complete necessary repairs within a legally set timeframe. It also reinforces accountability, making sure damp and mould are treated as urgent health and safety risks, not lifestyle issues.
Our council’s commitment
We are committed to fully meeting the requirements of Awaab’s Law. This means improving how quickly we respond to reports, communicating clearly at every stage, and providing straightforward and accessible reporting routes. Our priority is to keep homes safe and healthy by resolving damp and mould issues as efficiently as possible.
What residents should do
To help us act quickly, residents should report any damp or mould concerns as soon as they appear. Keeping a record of communication (including dates, photos and any follow-up messages) can be useful if the issue changes over time. If the problem worsens at any point, please let us know straight away so we can reassess the situation and take further action.
Reporting damp and mould
Report a Damp or Mould Issue
If you notice damp or mould in your home, it’s important to report it as soon as possible. You can do this by contacting the council.
Please contact us on 01453 66321, option 3, option 1 Or you can email us at: dmenquiries@stroud.gov.uk
What happens after you report it
Once a report has been submitted, you’ll be asked to complete a short questionnaire, either over the phone or by email. This helps us build a clear picture of the current circumstances.
An inspection will then be arranged with a specialist damp and mould surveyor. A copy of the survey report, along with any recommended works, will be sent to you by email or post.
After the recommended works have been completed, we’ll follow up with you later to check that the damp and mould issue has been fully resolved.