Dealing with damp & condensation
Definitions:
Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface, turning vapour into water droplets.
Damp is the presence of excessive moisture, whether from condensation or other sources (like leaks or rising damp).
Mould is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places, often appearing in patches on walls and ceilings.
Causes of Damp and Condensation:
Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors
Poor ventilation
Cold windows, walls, and pipes cause condensation to form
Leaking pipes
Moisture coming up from the ground can cause dampness, also known as rising damp
Consequences of Damp and Mould:
Health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.
Property damage
Damp and mould can create musty or unpleasant odours
Ways of Preventing and Addressing Damp, Condensation, and Mould:
Improve ventilation: ensure vents and extractor fans are working, open windows or use extractor fans after showering, cooking, or drying clothes indoors.
Use dehumidifiers
Address leaks: repair or report any leaks in pipes or roofs promptly.
Report it: If you have persistent damp or mould problems, speak to Rydon as soon as possible
Heat your home: keep your home between 18-21c to reduce condensation, speak to the Housing Office if you’re struggling with bills
What does the law say?
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, this includes being free from damp and mould, and "Awaab's Law" strengthens this duty, requiring social landlords to address these issues within strict timeframes.
Awaab's Law was introduced in response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 and will require social landlords to address damp and mould hazards within strict timeframes.
From October 2025, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timescales:
investigate any potential emergency hazards and, if the investigation confirms emergency hazards, undertake relevant safety work as soon as reasonably practicable, both within 24 hours of becoming aware of them
investigate any potential significant hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them
produce a written summary of investigation findings and provide this to the named tenant within 3 working days of the conclusion of the investigation
undertake relevant safety work within 5 working days of the investigation concluding, if the investigation identifies a significant hazard
begin, or take steps to begin, any further required works within 5 working days of the investigation concluding, if the investigation identifies a significant or emergency hazard. If steps cannot be taken to begin work in 5 working days this must be done as soon as possible, and work must be physically started within 12 weeks
satisfactorily complete works within a reasonable time period
secure the provision of suitable alternative accommodation for the household, at the social landlord’s expense, if relevant safety work cannot be completed within specified timeframes
keep the named tenant updated throughout the process and provide information on how to keep safe
Tenants can take legal action against landlords if these duties are breached and maybe be able to claim rent reductions or refunds.
For more information, or to discuss the topic with a member of our team, please get in touch via 02045181447 or brockley.customerservice@pinnaclegroup.co.uk.
The booklet below may provide helpful advice to managing damp and condensation in your home.
Report a repair
If you're a tenant and you wish to report a repair in your property you can do so in the following ways:
By telephone: