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Condensation and Mould example

Condensation, damp and mould

Steps you can take around the home to reduce mould.

During the colder months, your home is more at risk of being affected by condensation, damp and mould.

As your landlord, we take the problem very seriously. If your home is affected, we are here to help. This page offers guidance and tips on how to best prevent the build-up of condensation, damp and mould.

If you are concerned or need more support, please get in touch via our dedicated email address CDM@clarionhg.com.

Are you a homeowner? Here's how you can report repairs.

Our actions

The spotlight report below shows you our self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman’s 26 recommendations.

Self-assessment on Housing Ombudsman Recommendations [PDF].

You can also read the Summary of Clarion’s response to the Regulator of Social Housing’s letter on damp and mould.

Response to Regulator of Social Housing letter [PDF].

To read our policy on leaks, condensation, damp and mould, please visit our policies page.

Guidance and support

This video offers guidance and tips on how to best prevent the build-up of condensation, damp and mould. Along with information on how to get in touch with us if you are concerned or need more support.

What is mould?

Mould is caused by excess moisture. It often forms in cooler points, such as:

  • windows
  • in the corners and edges of rooms
  • behind and inside wardrobes and cupboards (especially if they are against an external wall)

It can even grow on clothes, handbags and shoes if they are placed in wardrobes. This happens when we store them while they're still damp, wet, or stored tightly and preventing air from circulating.

The good news is that most problems with mould can be solved if you find where the mould is growing. You must then clear it away and take steps to reduce the moisture that could be causing it to come back. We can help with this process.

Are you a homeowner? Here's how you can report repairs.

Image of a wall with mould

Image of a window with condensation

What causes condensation?

Condensation happens when moisture in the air meets a cold surface. A build-up of condensation in your home can lead to problems with mould. This can impact your health and the condition of your home.

Top contributors to moisture in the home include:

  • heating water
  • leaks
  • cooking
  • baths and showers
  • drying laundry indoors

Managing condensation, damp and mould in your home

There are three key ways you can manage the presence of mould and damp in your home. Managing mould and damp in your home is an ongoing process. The steps must be maintained to avoid new problems and old problems coming back.

How to tackle small amounts of mould yourself

If you’re worried about mould, we want you to contact us. If you feel confident to tackle a small amount yourself, here are some tips.

Are you a homeowner? Here's how you can report repairs.

What to do:

  • Open windows and close the door in the room you’re cleaning.
  • Wear protective gloves and a face mask.
  • Use a domestic cleaning product or mould remover from a supermarket, DIY store or high street retailer. Follow instructions carefully. These products are specifically designed to tackle mould.
  • There may be some natural products, such as vinegar or baking soda that may help to tackle mould.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions safely when using mould-removing products.
  • After clearing the mould, clean all surfaces in the room to remove spores that have spread.
  • Dry any surfaces to remove excess moisture after cleaning.

What NOT to do:

  • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner on the affected area. This can cause it to spread further by transferring mould spores.
  • Don’t use bleach as this can sometimes make the situation worse.
  • Don’t use washing-up liquid as it won’t be strong enough to do the job.

Reporting condensation, damp and mould

If your home has condensation, damp or mould, it's important we take steps to manage it. If condensation, damp or mould is not improving or is at an advanced stage, please make sure to let us know.

Please contact us via email at CDM@clarionhg.com.

Information for homeowners

If you have followed our advice and your home user guides, and believe the issue is a result of a defect e.g. due to a leak, please visit latimerhomes.com/troubleshooting to report it.

For a communal issue contact your managing agent. If this is Clarion please call 0300 500 8000 or report a repair.

 

When contacting us, it's important that you give as much information as possible. This detail should include:

  • the areas of your home that are affected
  • how long these areas have been affected
  • any leaks or other plumbing issues that are causing the problems
  • if the affected surfaces are wet to the touch
  • if there is any visible discolouring, including black mould
  • any smells in or near the affected areas
  • any pealing of wallpaper and paint in or near the affected areas

We'd also like you to provide clear photographs that show the problem areas. These photos should include:

  • clear, close-up detail of the affected areas
  • a wider view of the affected area within the room
  • any further photos that show important detail.

How to contact us

Chat with us online

Our 24/7 Virtual Assistant can help answer your questions. You can also use our Live Chat service to speak to an advisor during opening hours.

Email us

Click here to email us. Please include full details and photographs.

You are not alone

Take care to avoid over-ventilating your home. Too much cold air coming in will:

  • increase your heating costs
  • cause the temperature to drop in your home
  • increase condensation

It’s about getting the balance right. We understand that with the increasing cost of energy, some people may find it difficult to heat their homes. If you are worried about money, we have a Money Guidance Team that can help.

The Money Guidance team are there to:

  • talk through the money challenges you face. They can check you are getting everything you are entitled to
  • help with food or energy vouchers whilst you work out the best way forward
  • talk through different ways to save on energy costs
  • work together on any bills you are worried about or think are wrong. Our team can speak to suppliers on your behalf, if needed.

If you are struggling to heat your home, we can help. Visit our Cost of Living page for help and advice on managing energy costs.