What is condensation?
Condensation is most present in rooms with high moisture levels, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. It’s typically seen as steam on windows and damp patches on walls and ceilings.
Why it can be a problem?
Small amounts of condensation can be found in most homes, and for the most part, is controllable. However, if the condensation isn’t dealt with it can cause mould to grow. The development of mould can not only damage furniture, clothing and decorations within your home, but also worsen health conditions that affect your breathing, immune system and allergies.
What is mould?
Mould is any fungus that grows on food or damp building materials. It typically looks like a stain and comes in a range of colours. However, in some cases, mould may not be visible but cause a musty odour. Mould is a common issue, with almost a million UK households living with the problem, according to the English Housing Survey.
If allowed to grow, mould can contribute to poor indoor air quality the NHS advice warns that people living in mouldy and damp homes are more likely to have respiratory problems and infections as well as suffering from asthma and allergies. Babies, children and older people are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses, while those with existing skin and respiratory conditions or a weakened immune system are also considered high-risk categories.
Washing, cooking, air humidifiers, poor ventilation, condensation and leaks from outside all produce moisture in the home that mould needs to grow.
Dealing with mould
- It’s best to wipe up and remove condensation regularly to avoid mould from growing. If mould has become an issue, you will need to remove it after you’ve taken steps to reduce the source of condensation.
- Be careful when disturbing mould then brushing or vacuuming, as this can aggravate respiratory problems
- To kill and remove mould, wipe down any affected walls and windows with fungicidal wash, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. These fungicidal cleansers are available from most supermarkets, hardware shops and DIY or decorators’ suppliers.
- Wash or dry clean as appropriate any clothes and shampoo carpets. Ensure everything is thoroughly dried afterwards.
- After treatment, redecorate using a good fungicidal paint to prevent mould returning.
- Open the window after showering
- Pour an inch of cold water in the bath before adding the hot water
- Use an extractor fan to clear steam
- The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius during winter. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for healthy people.
Our responsibility to you?
We recommend reporting damp and mould by calling us on 01257 367374
Alternatively, you can email us at Repairs@quayshousing.co.uk Please remember to include your contact details and address. We aim to respond to all emails and website contact within 1 working day.
Awaab’s Law – Keeping Your Home Safe
What is Awaab’s Law?
Awaab’s Law is new legislation that came into effect in October 2025. It requires social housing landlords to investigate and fix serious hazards, like damp and mould, within strict legal timeframes.
This law was introduced after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, attributed to long exposure to mould in his home. Awaab’s Law ensures this should never happen again.
Emergency Hazards will be made safe within 24hrs, significant hazards investigated within 10 working days. Following completion of the investigation we will share our findings with you within 3 working days detailing next steps and time scales.
Future phases of Awaab’s law starting in 2026 will cover more hazards like excess cold and heat, fire risks and structural faults.
What This Means for You:
• If you find damp, mould, or condensation in your home, you should tell us straight away.
• We will treat it as important and take action to keep you safe.
• Share your details with us so we can consider your needs when dealing with damp and mould.
Report damp or mould here