Damp, mould and cold

Damp can cause mould on walls and furniture and make wooden window frames rot.

It can cause serious health problems like asthma and bronchitis. Babies, young children, older people and people with allergies or a weak immune system are most at risk.

The causes of damp and mould

Mould can grow because your home is damp. There are three causes of damp in a property.

Condensation dampness

There is always some moisture in the air, even if you can't see it.

When air gets colder, it can't hold all the moisture and tiny drops of water appear. This is condensation.

You notice it when you see your breath on a cold day, or when the mirror mists over when you have a shower.

It appears on cold surfaces and in places where there is little movement of air.

Look for it in corners, on or near windows, in or behind wardrobes and cupboards. It often forms on north-facing walls.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp  is due to a structural problem with a property like:

• leaking pipes, wastes or overflows
• rain water getting in through a broken roof, blocked gutters or down pipes or damaged window-frames

Rising damp

Rising damp is a relatively rare form of damp that affects the walls of buildings.

It happens when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls.

The moisture contains salts this means you get a tide line on the wall.

What you can do about damp, mould and cold

To prevent damp the landlord has to fix any structural defect and make make sure the properly can be properly heated, ventilated and insulated.

To prevent mould you can make sure the temperature in your home is right:

• set temperatures between 18°C and 21°C.
• use room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valve

If you don't have a heating system that can control the temperature in your home you should ask your landlord to fit one.

National Energy Action (NEA) give:

• advice on dealing with damp and mould
• advice on using your central heating system
• advice on using storage heaters

To kill and remove mould you can:

• wipe down walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash
• after treatment redecorate using a good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould coming back. This paint doesn't work properly if it's covered with ordinary paints or wallpaper
• dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets

Report damp or mould

When you have any problems with your privately rented property you should first send details of the problems in writing to your landlord or letting agent.

If the problems aren't fixed, contact us.

Call: 0300 373 3300

Please let us know:

• the details of the problem
• how to contact you, phone number and email
• the property address
• the landlord/managing agent name and contact details

What happens next

An officer will try to contact you within three working days.

They will discuss the case with you before contacting the landlord of the property.