Damp and mould safety for council homes

We inspect council homes for legionella bacteria and other damp-related problems.

Damp, mould and condensation issues have become better understood in recent years. It is extremely important to manage damp and mould at the earliest opportunity to reduce risks to health.

Damp can cause mould growth, but is more common for mould to be caused by condensation forming in our homes. Mould is a fungus that grows from tiny spores that move naturally around the home. Spores need enough moisture and a food source such as emulsion, wallpaper and wood.

Awaab's Law

Awaab's Law came into force on 27 October 2025. Under this legislation, we have new duties to deal with emergency hazards and significant damp and mould within fixed timeframes.

For more information and guidance, go to GOV.UK: 

What to do in a damp or mould emergency

It is important to report signs of damp and mould early to ensure it doesn’t grow to a bigger problem. There may be many reasons that damp and mould forms.

You should report any concerns directly to us. Call the repairs line for our contractor Mountjoy. 

Telephone: 0300 373 0373

The call handler will offer advice and ask you some questions to allow them to decide the priority of the call.

It is likely that you will then be visited to assess the condition and determine the cause of the issue. This will likely be followed by some instruction to help clean the area, or potentially have a follow-up visit to make the area safe. Resolving the cause of the damp and mould is essential to prevent it returning.

Damp and mould safety checks

There are no specific checks that are required for damp and mould, as they can form for a number of reasons and in many locations. 

Typically, our regular building checks and condition inspections for damp and mould are undertaken during:

  • housing management inspections
  • building surveys
  • property condition inspections

Most visits to inspect damp and mould are organised because tenants have raised a concern. We aim to address this as quickly as possible.

If your property is subject to a damp and mould issue, allowing access is the main way you can help us. The inspections will typically take between 30 and 60 minutes. Mould washes will vary depending on the size or number of areas affected.

How you can prevent damp and mould

You can help reduce condensation and prevent mould in your home by:

  • improving ventilation – open windows, use an extractor fan and use a dehumidifier
  • draught proofing – seal gaps around windows and doors to keep out the chill
  • staying warm – keep your home above 15 degrees during colder months
  • cleaning mould – if small patches form use baking soda, vinegar or bleach to help remove it