Damp condensation and mould advice

The information on this page has been created to help you keep you home damp and mould free. Find out how to reduce condensation, how to deal with mould, what to do if you think you have damp in your home and how we can work together to keep your home safe.

Mould is a fungus that can grow on damp surface. It's important to control the moisture levels in the home with ventilation, and heating, as well as ensuring other structural factors are not causing moisture within the home.

It is important to treat mould as soon as possible so read our top tips at the end of this page to find out how you can treat mould properly. 

We ask that you please monitor the issue over a couple of weeks and if the mould spreads, gets bigger or becomes more frequent, contact us to arrange a visit to your home. If anyone in the home has underlying respiratory conditions then please report mould issues to us as soon as possible.

Important information

The form below is for tenants of Bury Housing Services properties only to report damp and mould, it cannot be used for any other purposes.

There is always moisture in the air in any home, even if we can’t see it. If the air becomes too cold or if we create extra moisture (from cooking or bathing) then condensation will appear. Here are some examples of how much moisture we produce:

• Drying clothes indoors = 9 pints
• Cooking and using a kettle = 6 pints
• Breathing (2 people at home for 16 hours) = 3 pints
• Washing dishes = 2 pints
• Taking a bath or shower = 2 pints

Condensation can be caused by:

• Too much moisture in the home.
• Not enough ventilation.
• Cold surfaces.
• Inadequate heating.

Condensation is the main cause of damp and mould in our homes and you can wipe it dry immediately to prevent mould forming.

Damp can be caused by:

• Leaking pipes.
• Rain seeping through a damaged roof or guttering.
• Damaged brickwork or a failed damp proof course.
• Gutters that are filled with leaves or dirt.
• Damp seeping through chimneys into the inside chimney breast.

The signs are drips & puddles, blotchy or damp patches on walls/ceilings and wet crumbly plaster. If you think you have damp in your home, please contact us and we will call you to discuss the issue and agree what repair work is required. We may ask to inspect the damp to understand the cause.

Important information

The form below is for tenants of Bury Housing Services properties only to report damp and mould, it cannot be used for any other purposes.

Reducing condensation and mould:

• If you can, use a dehumidifier. These capture moisture in a container and can be emptied down the drain.
• Dry washing outside if you can and in wetter weather, try not to dry clothes on radiators. Drying it on a dryer with the window open will reduce the moisture. 
• When bathing or cooking, shut the door to prevent moisture escaping and forming condensation in other rooms. 
• Ensure that your extract fans in the kitchen and bathroom are working and are on the trickle setting (where they move slowly all the time).
• To let air move through items of clothing, try not to overfill cupboards and wardrobes. 
• Use the lockable latch setting on your windows. They allow for ventilation whilst also being secure.
• Try not to put furniture in front of radiators or always leave a small gap in between them.

What can I do to remove mould and mildew?

• Treat and remove mould before it becomes a deep black colour as it will be much harder to remove.
• Wipe down affected areas with a fungicidal (mould killing) wash, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wash or dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo mouldy carpets.
• Do not brush away mould, as it will move the spores around. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner, making sure you empty it carefully once you’ve finished.
• If the mould has been extensive – remove the wall lining and wallpaper, treat the plaster and then paint/paper the area
• Re-decorate treated areas using a good quality fungicidal paint carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Don't remove mould with bleach as this can make the problem worse. Either use an mould specific cleaning product or a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Make sure to dry off surfaces after.