The London Damp and Mould Checklist is designed by London’s public health system partners, who have worked together to produce a checklist resource for use by health and social care professionals who visit residential properties as part of their management and care of patients.
It provides a checklist and guidance to support the identification of internal damp and mould, as well as people at risk of poor health due to damp and mould exposure in their home. There is also an emphasis on prevention of damp and mould for all residents.
Where concerns are identified this resource provides guidance for tenants on actions to take in the form of advice, signposting, and template letters to inform local authority housing teams, housing associations, landlords and health services of any concerns.
We would really value your feedback on this resource.
If there is observable evidence of dampness in a building, such as visible mould, mould odour or water damage, including condensation, this is sufficient to indicate the need to remedy the issue to protect the health of tenants and prevent proliferation of the issue. These are just indicative images; even small areas of mould present a health risk.
The smell of mould without visible evidence of mould may indicate that there is mould behind a surface, such as on the back of wallpaper, panelling, ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets, behind pipes, furniture or inside heating and ventilation units.
Even if visible mould is not present, dampness alone can increase the risk of health problems.
Please refer to the national guidance for more information:
Do you know what you can do to try and reduce damp and mould in your home?
Using the information provided in the introduction, discuss ways to try and maintain good ventilation, reduce excess moisture, identify dampness and heat the home sufficiently.
Are you struggling to heat your home?
If yes, go to the Assist section for information on London’s Warmer Homes Advice Service and other means of support.
Are you concerned about the impact damp and mould are having upon your health or the health of members of your household?
If yes, advise the tenant to speak to their GP, their local authority housing team and/or their landlord, about the impact of the home environment, and any areas of disrepair, on their health.
See the Act section for further information on how to support individuals with clinical vulnerabilities and pre-existing health conditions.
See NHS patient guidance for further information on the health impacts of damp and mould.
Have you asked your landlord to address the damp and mould issues in your home?
The Mayor is funding free local advice services for vulnerable Londoners and those on low incomes. The service can provide information about financial help and advise the person in need of support on heating their home and any debt they may have.
The London Damp and Mould Checklist is designed by London’s public health system partners, who have worked together to produce a checklist resource for use by health and social care professionals who visit residential properties as part of their management and care of patients.
It provides a checklist and guidance to support the identification of internal damp and mould, as well as people at risk of poor health due to damp and mould exposure in their home. There is also an emphasis on prevention of damp and mould for all residents.
Where concerns are identified this resource provides guidance for tenants on actions to take in the form of advice, signposting, and template letters to inform local authority housing teams, housing associations, landlords and health services of any concerns.
We would really value your feedback on this resource.
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
Damp and condensation
Damp can be caused by:
leaking pipes
rainwater from blocked pipes
lack of, or no effective damp proof course
rising dampness
It can also be caused by condensation, which is a common issue in poorly heated and insulated homes during winter.
Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold surfaces. This leads to moisture build up and causes tiny droplets of water to appear on windows and behind furniture placed against external walls.
This can lead to staining and mould growth.
The amount of condensation and mould can be increased by factors such as overcrowding and furniture, clothing, and bags being placed close to external walls.
Mould
Mould growth is a strong sign that condensation is causing a damp problem.
Depending on the type of mould and the surface that it’s growing on, mould may be black, white, yellow, or green in colour,
Mould can:
damage your home, including window frames, furniture, and clothing
have severe health consequences, including respiratory problems and asthma.
It is crucial to tackle damp and condensation in your home as soon as you notice any signs.
Reducing moisture in your home
Many daily activities can produce moisture in your home. To reduce this, you can:
wipe off condensation from windows, window frames and sills, and walls every morning
keep low background heating on all day in cold weather, even when there is no one home
close the kitchen door when cooking
put lids on pans when boiling food
close the bathroom door when showering
open windows after having a shower to let air into the room
regularly clean any extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
dry washing outside, if possible, if not dry it in the bathroom with the door closed
make sure you vent your tumble drier outside
leave trickle vents open and unblocked, even in winter
move any furniture very close to an outside wall forward by 3 to 4 inches
ventilate wardrobes and cupboards and don’t overfill them
Visit barnethomes.org/report-damp and use the online form. Here, you will be able to upload photos of your home so that Barnet Homes can assess and treat any damp and mould more effectively.
Private Sector Housing residents can report unresolved issues to us by email or by calling 0208 359 7995.
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
The Environmental Health Team in Bexley can inspect your properties to assess potential risks to health and safety and, where necessary, require landlords to make any repairs/improvements. The team's contact details are 020 3045 3456 or rentitright@bexley.gov.uk
If you are a Brent council tenant and have issues with damp and mould in your home after taking all the actions outlined on the website above, you can report it via the report Damp & Mould section in your on-line account or by emailing dampandmould@brent.gov.uk or call:020 8937 2400
Private rental tenants in Brent with issues regarding damp and mould should report the matter to the landlord. If the landlord fails to respond within 28 days, you can report it to Brent Council’s Private Housing Team who will support with enforcement action.
If you are a housing association tenant experiencing damp and mould, you must contact your housing association provider.
Mould is a type of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. A key cause of damp and mould is condensation which can be caused by everyday living and occurs when excess warm moisture in the air comes into contact with cooler air or a cold surface. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering/bathing and drying clothes indoors can cause condensation. This handy leaflet also provides additional information.
Reporting Leaks, Damp and Mould in the City
Please try and report suspected condensation/damp mould issues as soon as possible.
If the repairs team can identify the root cause (for example, a leak) easily over the phone, they will arrange a repair.
Wherever possible, the repairs team will inspect within 5 working days (subject to access) to identify the possible causes and associated remedial works.
Remedial works will be completed within seven working days of an order being placed.
The repairs team will also discuss the matter with the tenants, providing advice and guidance as appropriate.
Completed works will be post inspected by Property Services Officers.
To report a suspected condensation/damp mould issue, you can complete this form, email: propertyservices@cityoflondon.gov.uk, or call 0800 035 0003. This phone line is available24 hours, seven days a week. All faults can be reported between 8am - 5pm. Out of hours emergency repairs can only be reported between 5pm - 8am. For gas repair, please press option two and you will be passed onto TSG Building Services.
Additional Resources:
We recognise the concerns people will have with their heating bills due to the rising cost of living, including keeping their homes warm to help prevent condensation from building up. Below is some additional support that may be helpful.
The London Energy Saving Squad Ltd (LESS) - provide advice and information on damp, mould and condensation; ventilation; heating controls; and bill switching as well as energy saving top tips. Call their free line on 0800 915 3575.
London SHINE - set up to help residents keep well and warm throughout the year and avoid cold-related conditions during winter and anxiety over paying the fuel bills. Contact their advice line on 0800 281 768. For more information see shine-london.org.uk
Priority Services Registers - vulnerable residents can sign up to these with their energy company to ensure they get priority help and support if there is an issue with their supply. More information can be found on the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) website: www.ofgem.gov.uk/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register
The Green Doctors - The Green Doctors, run by Groundwork London, deliver energy advice for free to residents in the City of London (and on City Corporation estates). They can help you by chatting to you about energy tariffs, getting you onto the Priority Services Register so that your energy provider can give you extra support if you need it and they can also install energy saving devices.The free consultation can be completed here or call 0300 365 3005 (free to call) and select option one - open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
Croydon Healthy Homes
Helping residents heat their homes and reduce their fuel bills.
Croydon Healthy Homes is Croydon Council’s free energy advice service aimed at Croydon residents on low incomes, and those more vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home (especially families with young children, older residents, and residents with pre-existing medical conditions).
Mould is a type of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. A key cause of damp and mould is condensation which can be caused by everyday living and occurs when excess warm moisture in the air comes into contact with cooler air or a cold surface. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering/bathing and drying clothes indoors can cause condensation. A handy leaflet has been developed by the Council’s repairs team that provides residents with this information.
Reporting Leaks, Damp and Mould in Hackney
Hackney Council managed homes
Leaks are one of the common causes of damp and mould and tackling them early can help prevent the issue spreading or potentially causing issues in neighbouring homes.
All leaks reported in Hackney Council homes across the borough are now being visited by a plumber by at least the end of the following day as part of the Council’s commitment to tackling damp and mould.
To report a leak, contact the council’s repairs centre on 0208 356 3691 as soon as possible so that a visit can be scheduled. If the call is outside of normal office hours it will be dealt with in the same way by the Council’s emergency repairs team.
All reports of damp and mould will be inspected within five days.
If you live in a privately rented property and are having issues with your landlord about tackling damp and mould, please either email privatesectorhousing@hackney.gov.uk or call 0208 356 4866 to get the issue investigated and resolved.
Additional Resources:
We recognise the concerns people will have with their heating bills due to the rising cost of living, including keeping their homes warm to help prevent condensation from building up. Below is some additional support that may be helpful.
Hackney energy advice line - for specialist advice call 0800 281 768 (Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm) or you can also use the London Fuel Switch energy switch calculator on ww.energylinx.co.uk
The London Energy Saving Squad Ltd (LESS) - provide advice and information on damp, mould and condensation; ventilation; heating controls; and bill switching as well as energy saving top tips. Call their free line on 0800 915 3575.
London SHINE - set up to help residents keep well and warm throughout the year and avoid cold-related conditions during winter and anxiety over paying the fuel bills. Contact their advice line on 0800 281 768. For more information see shine-london.org.uk
Priority Services Registers - vulnerable residents can sign up to these with their energy company to ensure they get priority help and support if there is an issue with their supply. More information can be found on the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) website: www.ofgem.gov.uk/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register
Follow the above link to an information leaflet on how to prevent damp and mould occurring in your home, with details of who to contact for further advice
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
If you live in council housing get advice and support from Newham Council’s Damp and Mould Taskforce: dampandmouldtaskforce@newham.gov.uk
If you are experiencing damp and mould in a rental property please talk to your landlord first and if no response contact: ENVPrivate.SectorHousing@newham.gov.uk
If a tenant is concerned about a private landlord, they can consider reporting them through the GLA’s rogue landlord process.
Does your home have water stains on the ceiling or black specks on the side of your windows and walls?
Cold homes increase the risk of damp and reporting damp and mould concerns as soon as possible can make sure action is taken.
Causes of damp, mould, and condensation
Building conditions - age, design, overdue repair work such as broken pipes.
Cold surfaces caused by a lack of insulation
Poor ventilation in your home
Only heating one area of your home
Moisture from daily actions such as taking a bath, cooking, or drying clothes.
Steps to reduce damp, mould and condensation in your home
Report it- If you are renting your property, it is your landlord's responsibility to fix repairs that may be causing damp. Report any issues to your landlord.
Insulate - Loft and wall insulation, and draught proofing are changes that will keep your home warmer. Contact your landlord about these changes being carried out.
Heat correctly- If you rent your property and heaters don't work, there is no thermostat or controls, you must report this to your landlord. If there is no response contact your local council. On cold days keep the temperature in bedrooms between 18 to w21 degrees celsius. In living rooms lower the heat at night and when you leave your property.
Ventilate- Extractor fans are a low cost way to ventilate and make a big difference. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity and condensation which will save you money in the long run as you will be heating your home less.
Reduce moisture- Cook with lids on pots to prevent steam from escaping. This also is a cost-effective way to use less energy whilst cooking.
Drying clothes outside- During colder months, you can dry clothes outside or in bathrooms with the door closed. Opening the window slightly or having an extractor fan on will help clothes to dry quicker.
Cleaning- You can use approved moldicide or fungicidal washes to wipe down mould growth.
Where to get help
Private rented accommodation If you live in privately rented accommodation please talk to your landlord. If there is no response get in contact by sending an email to propertylicensing@walthamforest.gov.ukor by calling 020 8496 4949 to request a free home visit.
Housing Associations If you live in a Housing Association home, in the first instance, you should contact the Housing Association to report any damp and mould issues, please find the details below.
