Stop damp in its tracks for a healthier, fresher home | Tenant news

Autumn is setting in, and with the colder weather comes a higher risk of condensation and mould. Left unchecked, these can damage your home and even affect your health.

Taking a few simple steps can help prevent problems and keep your home healthy and comfortable.

What causes mould?

Condensation happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces like windows, walls, or tiles.

Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and even breathing add moisture to the air. When this moisture has nowhere to go, it settles on surfaces and creates the damp conditions mould thrives on.

Mould can damage your home and affect your health, especially for children, older people, and anyone with breathing problems. That’s why it’s important to recognise the signs early and take action before it spreads.

Reducing indoor moisture

The best way to cut down on condensation is to reduce the amount of moisture in your home:

• Use lids when cooking – this helps trap steam and keeps moisture out of the air (it also saves energy).
• Keep bathroom doors closed when bathing or showering to stop steam spreading into other rooms.
• Dry clothes outside if possible. If drying indoors, use a well-ventilated room and avoid hanging clothes on radiators.
• Wipe down condensation on windows and sills each morning before it turns into mould.
• Check ventilation – use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and make sure they’re working properly.

Doing these steps regularly helps keep damp away and your home fresh and comfortable.

Improving ventilation and warmth

Good airflow is key to keeping condensation under control. Try opening windows slightly each day, even in winter, to let fresh air circulate. If your windows have trickle vents, make sure they stay open too.

Condensation is more likely in cold rooms. Keeping your home at a steady, moderate temperature helps. Instead of heating it fully and then letting it cool down, aim for consistent warmth, even if it is lower than usual as this reduces moisture settling on cold surfaces.

If you have furniture against external walls, leave a small gap behind it. This allows air to flow and prevents hidden damp spots from forming.

Reporting persistent mould

Habinteg takes mould and condensation in homes very seriously.

From October 2025, Awaab’s Law will require social landlords to address serious hazards like damp and mould promptly, helping to protect tenants’ health and safety.

We’re already taking steps to improve our processes and provide faster repairs, along with better support for tenants dealing with mould issues.

If you spot damp or mould in your home, it’s important to let us know as soon as possible.

Habinteg tenants experiencing ongoing mould can contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk. You can also report it on our mould prevention web page.

For more information, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/mould-and-condensation.

************