Keep an eye on mould and condensation before it builds up | Tenant news

Did you know that around 3 in 10 households in England reported a problem with condensation, damp or mould last year?

England accounts for roughly 84% of the UK’s total households (around 29 million), placing the 3 in 10 figure at around 7.3 million households (Office for National Statistics).

Colder weather can mean more condensation in your home, and if it’s left to build up, it can eventually lead to mould. So, here’s what you should look out for to stop your household being in the 7.3 million.

What is condensation?

Condensation is water that forms when warm, damp air meets a cold surface.

You might see it as water droplets on your windows, especially in the morning. It can also appear on walls and other cold surfaces around your home. A little condensation is normal, but if moisture is left to build up, it can create the right conditions for mould to grow.

Knowing where to look and keeping moisture levels down can help you spot problems early.

Check likely hot spots

Windows and window frames are often the first places you’ll notice condensation. Look out for dark spots or patches, peeling wallpaper, a musty smell or mould around window frames and seals.

Mould can also appear in places you might not notice straight away, such as inside cupboards, around pipes or in corners where there isn’t much fresh air.

If you have furniture against an outside wall, move them away from the wall and check what’s happening from time to time. Moving furniture slightly away from the wall can help air to circulate.

Keep moisture down

There are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of moisture in your home. Use extractor fans when cooking or bathing to help remove damp air. If you have trickle vents, keep them open and make sure they aren’t blocked.

Try not to dry clothes directly against radiators or in rooms with little ventilation. If you need to dry clothes indoors, give them plenty of space and allow some fresh air into the room.

Wiping water from windows, and bathroom surfaces and tiles after use, can help with keeping mould at bay.

Keeping doors closed while cooking or bathing can also help prevent moisture from spreading into colder rooms. Once you’ve finished those activities, give the steam some time to clear before closing windows or switching off the extractor fan.

Report mould

Reducing moisture can help prevent condensation, but if mould persists, it’s important to report it to Habinteg as soon as possible. Report it via the My Habinteg tenant portal or email our Customer Services Team at direct@habinteg.org.uk.

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