Damp can be a common issue in UK homes and causes all sorts of problems, including mould growth on walls/furniture, damage to decor, timber rot and electrical hazards if there is a water leak.

Mould growth can be harmful to your health, particularly in young children and the elderly. We will always ask you to clean any visible mould patches, which helps reduce ongoing exposure to mould spores. It is important to use appropriate cleaners to clear the mould whilst the underlying cause is investigated. Please take clear photos of the mould growth showing the extent and location in the room prior to cleaning. You may find it helpful to purchase thermometers with a moisture reading facility to monitor conditions at home and gather evidence. If the mould growth is caused by a building defect, your landlord can be required to arrange for cleaning and treatment.

You must report repair issues to your landlord, housing association or agent first and give them time to investigate and rectify the issue before contacting us. For repair issues in a Warwick District Council property, please contact the Assets Team. 

The most common cause of damp at home is condensation, but it is not the only cause, with penetrating damp and rising damp also introducing moisture to the home.

Our Damp and Mould leaflet will help you identify the possible causes and what action can be taken.

Condensation

Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould, but it is also the easiest to treat. Condensation occurs when warm moist air hits cold walls, causing water droplets to form. Signs of condensation are water droplets on glass, mirrors and pipework. In severe condensation cases you may have water running down your walls and windows. If the condensation isn't dried, mould can form in days. Mould growth due to condensation is remedied by increased ventilation, reducing moisture and cleaning as soon as mould spores appear. There are steps you can work into your routine to prevent condensation forming:

• Try to keep the property at a steady temperature and above 15°C.
• Check the efficiency of your extractor fans with a piece of paper held in front. Clean clean fans monthly to prevent dirt and dust accumulating.
• Keep window vents open and don't cover air bricks.
• When condensation forms, dry it to prevent mould or the moisture from recirculating.
• Don't push furniture right up against the walls; airflow is key.
• Keep doors to kitchens and bathrooms closed.
• Don't dry clothes on radiators. 

Where condensation issues occur in specific locations, your landlord may be requested to undertake works on a preventative basis if there are reasonable physical improvements that can be made, e.g., fitting trickle vents to windows, addressing insulation issues, installing PIV units and fitting secondary glazing where possible. 

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp is when water is entering your home from a particular source; usually, you would see a water stain that grows larger over time. Penetrating damp is resolved by fixing the structural cause. Penetrating damp is often caused by roof leaks, blocked or faulty guttering, cracks in external brickwork or render, plumbing issues and leaks from a neighbouring property/flat.

It is helpful to officers if you can mark the edge of the water stain lightly in pencil. Take note of whether the patch grows or stays the same and if the patch grows during rain.

Rising damp

Rising damp is the least common form of damp and occurs when groundwater soaks into the bricks/floor slab at floor level. There would usually be a water stain at a low height, and the issue is usually caused by failure of the damp-proof course, bridging of the damp-proof course due to increased ground levels or added structures or insufficient ventilation to the subfloor, which can rot floor joists. Take a walk around the property and try to locate the level of the damp-proof course; check that the ground level is below your damp-proof course. If you have airbricks, check they are not covered by debris or vegetation.

The Government has set out how they expect landlords and agents to respond. We expect to see a genuine attempt to investigate the issue and remedial or preventative action taken. Any remedial works should be monitored with the tenant to ensure they have resolved the issue.