Damp and mould are more than just an eyesore, they can damage your home and affect your health.
With winter on the way, millions of UK households will start noticing condensation on windows, musty smells, and black mould patches on walls. That’s why Damp and Mould Action Awareness Week is so important. This national campaign highlights the risks of damp and mould, while also sharing simple steps and practical solutions to keep your home safe, healthy, and free from moisture problems.
Over 7 million UK households are affected by damp and mould – a problem costing the NHS billions every year in related health issues. Aico’s campaign (20–26 October 2025) raises awareness of the risks, highlights the importance of proper ventilation, and brings together experts to share practical solutions for both homeowners and landlords.
Do You Have a Damp or Mould Problem?
How Condensation Turns Into Damp and Mould
- Drying clothes indoors – Each load of washing releases litres of water into the air.
- Cooking and boiling water – Steam from pans quickly fills kitchens and nearby rooms.
- Showering or bathing – Bathrooms without proper ventilation trap humidity that lingers long after you’re done.
- Tightly sealed homes – Double glazing and extra insulation save energy but stop moisture from escaping.
- Poor airflow – Blocked vents or closed trickle vents keep damp air trapped inside.
Over time, this trapped moisture doesn’t just cause misty windows, without adequate ventilation and proper heating, it can soak into surfaces, damage plaster, peel paint, rot woodwork, and eventually allow black mould patches to spread across walls and ceilings.
Health Impacts of Damp & Mould
Living with damp and mould isn’t just inconvenient it can seriously affect your health and your home. According to the NHS and Damp & Mould Action Awareness Week, prolonged exposure can lead to a wide range of problems:
- Asthma & Breathing Issues – Mould spores can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children and older adults.
- Allergies & Skin Problems – Common symptoms include sneezing, red eyes, and skin rashes caused by mould allergens.
- Weakened Immune System Risks – People with compromised immunity (young children, the elderly, or those with chronic illness) are particularly vulnerable.
- Damage to Your Home – Damp weakens walls, ceilings, and woodwork, leading to peeling paint, rotten skirting boards, and costly repairs.
- Furniture & Belongings – Mould and moisture can permanently stain or ruin clothes, bedding, and soft furnishings.
The NHS warns: “If you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.”
NHS – Damp and mould health advice
Landlord bodies highlight that over one in five UK homes are affected by condensation and mould.
Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week
Awaab’s Law & Why Landlords Can No Longer Ignore Mould
From 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law comes into effect, helping to enforce stricter legal timeframes for social landlords to remedy reported health hazards, including issues from damp and mould. Private landlords are expected to be held to similar standards under forthcoming legislation for the private rented sector. As the LandlordZone notes, this new requirement aligns directly with Damp & Mould Action Awareness Week, urging landlords to join the campaign and act swiftly on mould problems. LandlordZone – Landlords urged to join mould campaign backed by King
FAQ's Understanding Damp & Mould
What is damp and mould and why should landlords and residents be concerned?
Damp develops when too much moisture accumulates inside a home, often resulting in mould growth. Mould is a fungus that thrives in warm, humid environments and can have serious effects on both the health of residents and the overall condition of the property. Poor heating and low indoor temperatures often make the problem worse – when walls and windows become cold, water vapour in the air condenses on these surfaces, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould.
Exposure to mould can lead to coughing, asthma, and other respiratory problems, especially in vulnerable people such as young children, older adults, or those with existing health conditions. For this reason, tackling damp and mould is essential for protecting tenant health and avoiding potential complaints or legal issues.
Social housing providers are legally required to maintain safe, healthy, and habitable homes, free from hazards like damp and mould. Following the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law was introduced to ensure landlords act swiftly when these issues are reported. The legislation sets strict timeframes for investigating and repairing damp and mould problems, reinforcing the duty of landlords to keep their properties safe and fit for living.
What are the common causes of damp and mould?
Damp can develop in a property for a range of reasons, such as:
- Insufficient ventilation or airflow within the home
- Leaks from roofs, guttering, or internal plumbing
- Moisture rising from the ground, known as rising damp
- Condensation caused by poor heating or a lack of proper insulation
What are the potential long-term effects of damp and mould on properties?
If left untreated, damp can lead to significant structural problems within a property. It can weaken walls, damage plasterwork, and cause wooden elements to rot over time. These issues not only result in costly repair work but can also shorten the building’s lifespan. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance allow social landlords to avoid such long-term damage and protect their properties.
Identifying & preventing Issues
How can you identify damp and mould issues in a property?
Routine property inspections are key to spotting early signs of damp and mould, including:
- A musty odour or visible mould patches on walls, ceilings, or around window frames
- Wallpaper starting to peel, paint bubbling, or walls becoming stained or discoloured
- Damp areas that remain wet, particularly on lower walls or ceilings
- Ongoing condensation or a general feeling of moisture in the air
Detecting these signs early enables landlords to act promptly and prevent further deterioration.
Modern environmental sensors can also assist by tracking humidity and moisture levels within a property, providing early alerts when damp conditions begin to develop.
What steps can be done to prevent damp and mould?
Both landlords and tenants can take practical steps to prevent and manage damp and mould, including:
Keeping homes well-ventilated, especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms
Installing and maintaining extractor fans to remove excess humidity
Inspecting roofs, gutters, and plumbing regularly to catch and repair leaks early
Making sure properties are properly insulated and heated to reduce condensation
Guiding residents on how to minimise moisture – for example, by drying clothes outdoors or using extractor fans during cooking and bathing
Using environmental sensors to track humidity and alert both tenants and landlords when damp conditions start to develop
Improving energy efficiency also plays a major role. Upgrading insulation, fitting double-glazed windows, and using efficient heating systems help prevent condensation while lowering energy costs. By investing in these improvements, social landlords can protect their properties, cut long-term maintenance costs, and enhance tenant comfort and satisfaction.
Landlord Responsibilities & Actions
What should landlords do if a tenant reports damp or mould in their property?
When a tenant reports a damp or mould problem, it’s essential to investigate without delay. Small mould patches can often be managed through proper cleaning and improved ventilation, but ongoing or severe damp usually indicates a deeper issue – such as leaks, rising damp, or poor insulation – that requires professional repair.
Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords must follow strict deadlines for assessing and resolving damp and mould complaints. Keeping tenants informed throughout the process, with clear updates on actions and timeframes, helps build trust and ensures compliance. More details here.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) also places a legal duty on social landlords to maintain homes free from hazards like excessive damp or mould. Awaab’s Law strengthens these obligations by enforcing faster responses and firm accountability. Ignoring these problems can lead to enforcement measures, financial penalties, or serious reputational harm for landlords.
What support is available to social landlords for managing damp and mould issues?
Social landlords have access to a wide range of support and information sources, including guidance from local councils, environmental health departments, and professional damp-proofing experts. Participating in training sessions or webinars – particularly those held during Damp and Mould Action Week – can also offer valuable advice and the latest best practices for maintaining safe, healthy, and compliant homes.
What should social landlords do if tenants are not cooperating in preventing damp?
If tenants fail to follow recommended guidance – for example, by not heating or ventilating their home properly – landlords should communicate with them to explain the potential risks and offer practical help where possible. When the problem continues or damp conditions worsen, it’s important for landlords to keep records of all communications and actions taken. In some cases, formal steps may be required to resolve the issue. Awaab’s Law highlights the landlord’s duty to prioritise tenant safety, even when this involves taking decisive action.
How can landlords make the most of Damp and Mould Awareness Week?
Damp and Mould Awareness Week offers social landlords an ideal opportunity to:
- Engage with tenants and promote awareness around damp prevention and control
- Schedule inspections for properties identified as higher risk
- Distribute helpful guides and educational materials to support tenants in reducing moisture and mould
- Take part in industry events, workshops, or webinars to stay updated on the latest regulations, innovations, and best practices in damp and mould management
Supporting Tenants
How can landlords support tenants in managing condensation and ventilation?
Landlords can support tenants by offering practical advice on how to reduce moisture in their homes, such as:
- Opening windows or running extractor fans while cooking or showering
- Avoiding indoor clothes drying whenever possible
- Maintaining a steady level of heating during colder weather
Clear communication and easy-to-follow educational materials empower tenants to manage small issues before they become major damp or mould problems.
Additionally, environmental sensors can play a key role by tracking humidity and providing real-time data, helping both tenants and landlords spot early signs of damp and take timely action.
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Ventilation Solution?
Every home is different, and the best way to fix condensation, mould, or damp depends on your property and budget. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’re here to help. Get in touch and start creating a healthier, fresher home today
👉 Call us today 020 3621 0566 (Mon to Fri 8am to 5:30pm | Sat 9am to 12pm)
👉 Write to us Submit Online Query
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Ventilation Solution?
👉 Call us today 020 3621 0566 (Mon to Fri 8am to 5:30pm Sat 9am to 12pm)
👉 Write to us Submit Online Query
How to Fix Condensation, Mould and Damp: 5 Ventilation Solutions That Work
