Damp and mould can affect your health and damage your home. The cause is not always clear and may be due to a combination of issues.
Identify damp and mould
Damp and mould can appear in different ways, including:
- damp patches on walls or ceilings
- condensation on windows or cold surfaces
- black mould, often around windows or on external walls
Large areas of mould or strong damp smells may indicate a more serious problem.
If you have significant mould in your home, contact your landlord as soon as possible so it can be investigated and treated.
Condensation and black mould
Condensation is the most common cause of black mould.
It happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows or external walls. Moisture forms and can lead to mould growth.
Condensation can affect any property but is often worse where ventilation is poor.
Black mould can:
- damage belongings such as furniture, clothes and books
- affect indoor air quality
- cause health problems
Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home on GOV.UK
Deal with mould safely
Small areas of mould can often be cleaned using appropriate products.
To manage mould:
- wipe affected areas using a suitable mould removal product
- avoid brushing mould, as this can release spores into the air
- do not redecorate over mould without treating it first
Treating mould alone will not stop it returning if the underlying cause is not resolved.
Find practical advice on Dealing with condensation and mould on the National Energy Action website
Prevent condensation
Good ventilation and airflow can help reduce condensation in your home.
You can reduce condensation by:
- opening window trickle vents or windows regularly, even for short periods
- using extractor fans when cooking, bathing or showering
- keeping internal doors closed when generating moisture
- leaving space between furniture and external walls to allow air to circulate
- avoiding drying clothes on radiators where possible
Other types of damp
Damp can also be caused by problems with the building itself.
Penetrating damp
Penetrating damp happens when water enters a property from outside, for example through:
- leaking roofs
- damaged walls
- blocked gutters or downpipes
It is often seen as damp patches on walls or ceilings.
Rising damp
Rising damp occurs when moisture travels up from the ground through walls or floors.
It may be identified by:
- tide marks or staining on lower walls
- salt deposits on wall surfaces
It is more common in older properties or where damp proofing has failed.
Report damp or mould to your landlord
Contact your landlord if you have damp or mould so they can investigate and fix the issue.
Delaying action can lead to further damage and potential health risks.
If your landlord does not act
If your landlord does not respond or refuses to deal with the problem, contact the council. We may inspect the property and take action if needed.
Contact the council
Allerdale: [email protected]
Carlisle: [email protected]
Copeland: [email protected]