Damp And Mould In The Home

Guidance for landlords 

Landlords must take complaints of damp and mould seriously and there are many things a landlord can do to identify the cause of damp and mould, as listed in the Government guidance:  Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK 

If the property has low energy efficiency rating, carrying out improvements may help the tenant keep the property warmer and reduce the condensation. 

  • Actions you can take

    Check if the property has a damp proof course (DPC) 

    Instruct a damp specialist to carry out a survey if you are struggling to identify a cause of damp  

    Ensure that the ground is not bridging the DPC, such as paving or decking 

    Ensure guttering and downpipes are clear, and rainwater flows freely down to a drain 

    Ensure brickwork and pointing is in good repair 

    Provide frost protection for external pipes 

    Check plumbing for any leaks 

    Ensure extraction fans are serviced and in good working order 

    Check the Energy Performance Certificate for levels of insulation 

    Check for draughts or any cold spots  

    Install trickle vents in existing windows, or ensure new windows have these installed. 

    Consider installing air bricks 

    Check the heating system is working effectively. Radiator sizes can be calculated using a free online calculator.  Note that all rooms should be provided with a fixed heating source that is controllable by the tenants. If the heating is inefficient the tenant may not be able to afford to heat the home.