We take Damp seriously
At CHA, we understand the impact that damp, mould and condensation can have on your home, your comfort and your health. We are committed to responding to reports promptly, identifying the cause of the problem and taking appropriate action to resolve it.
When should I report damp or mould?
If you’ve cleaned mould, improved ventilation and followed the advice above, but damp or mould keeps returning, please let us know. You should also contact us if:
Damp patches continue to spread or mould returns after cleaning.
You believe the damp may be caused by a leak or building defect.
You’re concerned about the impact on your or someone else’s health.
Awaabs Law
Awaab’s Law introduces new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate and address damp and mould within set timescales. These changes are designed to help ensure tenants live in safe, healthy homes and that concerns are dealt with promptly.
Call us on 0808 175 1335 to report Damp, Mould or Condensation concerns
What happens after I report it?
When you report damp, mould or condensation, we’ll arrange for one of our Maintenance Officers to inspect your home.
An inspection will normally take place within 10 working days of your report. Following the inspection, we’ll identify the cause of the problem and explain any repairs or further action that may be required.
Why is black mould a problem?
Black mould often appears behind wardrobes, sofas and cupboards where air cannot circulate properly.
Left untreated, black mould can spread quickly and may worsen asthma and other respiratory. As soon as you notice mould, it should be cleaned using a suitable mould removal product. Always:
- Wear rubber gloves.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Clean affected areas such as window frames, bathroom sealant, tile grout, walls and ceilings.
- Dry the area thoroughly after cleaning.
What causes moisture in the home?
Everyday activities create moisture in the air, including:
- Cooking
- Showering and bathing
- Drying clothes indoors
- Boiling kettles
- Breathing
Without adequate ventilation, this moisture has nowhere to escape.
Signs of condensation
Common signs include:
Water drops on windows
Steamed-up mirrors
Moisture on toilet cisterns
Damp walls or ceilings
Musty or damp smells
How to reduce condensation and prevent mould
Simple changes can make a big difference.
- Use lids on pans when cooking.
- Always use your extractor fan if you have one.
- Keep the kitchen door closed while cooking.
- Open a window slightly or leave the extractor fan running for around 20 minutes after cooking.
- Use the extractor fan whenever bathing or showering.
- Keep the bathroom door closed while bathing.
- Open a window slightly, if possible, or leave the fan running for at least 20 minutes afterwards.
- Wipe excess moisture from tiles and windows.
- Never dry clothes on radiators.
- If drying clothes indoors, use an airer in a well-ventilated room.
- Open a window slightly while clothes are drying.
- Consider using a dehumidifier if needed.
- Keep window trickle vents open.
- Wipe condensation from windows and window sills every morning.
- Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Leave space between furniture and external walls.
- Avoid overfilling wardrobes and cupboards.
- Maintain a steady, comfortable temperature throughout your home. Rather than turning heating completely off in unused rooms, reduce the temperature instead.
Many people only switch the heating on in the morning and evening. While this warms the air quickly, walls often remain cold, allowing condensation to form.
Keeping your home at a more consistent temperature can help reduce condensation and keep surfaces warmer.