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Damp and Mould

Damp and mould is a serious issue for residents and we are actively taking steps to address and prevent problems developing and escalating.  

We have a clear process, in line with legislation, to document, manage, and act on reports of damp and mould. If your home is affected, please get in touch with us to report any issues regarding damp and mould.  

What is Damp and Mould?

Moisture occurs from daily activities such as cooking, washing, drying clothes, and showering or taking a bath. When this moisture touches a cold surface such as windows, walls, or tiles, it causes condensation. Condensation can soak into wallpaper, paintwork, or other materials and may develop into black mould. Your home is more at risk of being affected by condensation, damp, and mould during the colder months. 

There is always moisture in the air, but everyday activities such as cooking, washing, drying clothes, and showering can create excess moisture which can result in condensation on colder surfaces such as walls, windows, ceilings, or mirrors. People produce condensation by breathing out. The average adult produces 400g of water vapour a day just by breathing out. Good ventilation is the best way to prevent significant condensation from forming. Without good ventilation water vapour will settle on window, walls, and other cold surfaces as condensation and can quickly lead to damp and mould. 

How We Respond to Reports of Damp and Mould

We will: 

  • Proactively seek feedback from all tenants whose properties may be  subject to mould or dampness. 
  • Address any reports of damp and mould within a property. We will work with you you to resolve the issue causing damp and mould in your home. Ensuring your home is safe and comfortable is our highest priority.
  • Arrange for a qualified contractor to attend, treat and report back to WPH. 
  • Where the cause is not obvious, a Building Surveyor will be appointed to  investigate and prepare a report of the causes and remedy.

How to manage condensation, damp, and mould: 

Managing condensation, damp, and mould in your home is an ongoing process, although there are ways to reduce moisture, ventilate your home, and control condensation. 

This includes taking steps such as: 

  • Wiping condensation from your windows and windowsills each morning 
  • Cook with pan lids on and turn the heat down when the water is boiling 
  • Run cold water in the bath first to reduce steam, therefore, reducing the likelihood of condensation 
  • Keep the door closed while bathing or showering to prevent moisture escaping into other areas of your home 
  • Open windows each day 
  • Make sure your window’s trickle vents (where they are installed) are open and not blocked 
  • Use an extractor fan when bathing, showering, or cooking to reduce moisture and steam from building up. 
  • Dry washing outside where possible or in a room where a window can be opened and the door kept closed. 
  • Leave a gap between the wall and furniture to allow air to circulate around. 
  • Keep your home at a steady temperature where possible (between 18-21°C is ideal). 

Read more about condensation, damp, and mould in our Tenant Information Guide here.  

If you have any concerns, please report them to us as soon as possible so we can act and best support you in your home.

Awaab's Law

Awaab’s Law takes effect from October 2025. This law introduces specific timeframes for social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould and other housing issues.

The law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who sadly died after being exposed to mould in his home.

This law ensures social landlords like WPH must act quickly when residents report issues like damp and mould.  

What does Awaab's Law mean for you?

When you report damp or mould, we will act quickly.

Where there is a significant hazard, we will visit your home within 10 working days of your report. Following this, you will receive a report and action plan within 3 working days of our visit.

Where there is an emergency, we will visit your home in 24 hours. To assess whether it is an emergency or significant hazard, we may ask you to send photos to understand the severity of the issue.

If we need to visit at short notice to investigate an issue, please help us arrange the visit so we can keep you safe.

If repairs are needed following our visit, we will arrange this within our routine repair timescale. If there is significant damp and mould, we will support you through the next steps.