Spot damp and mould early, stop it spreading and know your rights as a renter if it keeps coming back.
In a country where rain is never far away, dampness can feel like part of everyday life. It is easy to get used to a patch on the wall or condensation on the windows, but over time those signs can be easy to miss and harder to ignore.
Spotting damp and mould early, and dealing with it the right way, can help protect both homes and health.
Spot the signs early
Damp and mould are not always obvious at first. Catching it early can prevent bigger problems. Look out for:
- A musty or damp smell
- Fuzzy black, white or green spots on walls, ceilings or around windows
- Discoloured patches on walls or peeling wallpaper
- Condensation that keeps coming back
Damp and mould are not just cosmetic. They can affect day-to-day health. Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, told The Big Issue: “A damp and mouldy environment can also put people at greater risk of chest infections, colds, flu and rhinitis.”
So what are the steps we can take to prevent damp and mould from becoming a serious problem?
Do’s and Don’ts
Moisture is the main cause of mould in many homes. The key to keeping moisture at bay is making sure our homes are warm enough and have enough air flow.
Do:
- Try to keep the home at a good background temperature, at least 18 degrees.
- Use simple draught-proofing to keep warmth in
- Open windows regularly (even for short bursts) especially if we’re doing something that creates steam
- Use extractor fans when cooking or showering
- Put lids on pans when cooking
- Dry clothes with good airflow or outside if possible
- Leave gaps between walls and furniture to let air flow around the room
- Think about investing in a de-humidifier
- Ask for help from our landlord if the problem continues
Don’t:
- Let the temperature drop below 15C in any room
- Dry clothes over radiators
- Block vents or air bricks
- Keep rooms sealed up all day
- Paint over mould
- Leave it hoping it will disappear
Renting? Know your rights
Damp and mould are not something renters are expected to live with. Landlords have a legal responsibility to deal with them.
Social housing
If damp or mould is reported, landlords are expected to take it seriously and act quickly. New rules mean problems should be looked into within around 10 working days, with repairs starting soon after, especially if health is at risk.
Private renters
Landlords must make sure a home is safe and fit to live in. That includes dealing with damp and mould.
There is no fixed number of days, but once a problem is reported, it should be dealt with within a reasonable time. If it is affecting health or getting worse, action should be quicker.
In Scotland
The rules are slightly different, but the principle is the same. Homes must meet a basic standard, and landlords must fix issues like damp and mould to keep properties safe and habitable.
If nothing happens after reporting a problem, the local council can step in and take action.
For a fuller breakdown of the new rules and what they mean, check out the Quids in! guide to stronger tenant rights.
Image: cottonbro studio/Pexels
