Damp and Mould

We want you to be happy and safe in your home and we take reports of damp and mould very seriously. 

A rubber duck next to tiles that show signs of Damp and Mould

What is Damp and Mould?

Damp and mould is more than a household nuisance. It's a problem that can affect you health and your home. 

Damp is excess moisture, caused by leaks, poor ventilation or rising water. Additional moisture can enter the home when there are issues with the fabric of the building such as defects in render, leaking roofs, faulty guttering, and leaks from inside the property as well as through everyday activities such as breathing, cooking, and washing.  

Mould is a fungus that grows in damp conditions appearing as either black spots or patches. It usually can be seen around windows reveals, on walls and ceilings but can also grow on furniture, carpets, upholstery, and wooden items such as doors and skirting boards. 

It may not always be clear why you have damp or mould in your home, so it's important you report it so we can fully investigate. 

Preventing Damp and Mould

Preventing damp and mould from first appearing is the best way to tackle it. By keeping your home warm, lowering moisture levels and properly ventilating your home, you can prevent damp and mould appearing or reduce how bad it is if it does appear in your home. 

Damp and Mould Prevention Tips:
  • Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms

  • Keeping the lids on your pans when cooking  

  • Closing internal doors when cooking and showering  

  • If you are drying clothes inside your home, do this in a heated, well-ventilated room

  • Wipe down surfaces where condensation has built up 

  • Keep window vents open

  • Not blocking air vents in your home 

  • Opening windows for short periods when there is visible condensation on windows

  • Vent tumble driers externally

  • Set your thermostat to between 18.C and 21.C  

  • Close your curtains and blinds at night to keep the heat in 

If you are worried about having your heating on visit Cost of Living | Magenta Living which has some useful information and links which aim to highlight some of the support available to you and your family

What happens when you report Damp and Mould

When you first report damp and mould, we will ask you a series of questions to help us assess the severity of the issue, including:

  • Who lives in your household? Are there any young children or older people living in your home? Are there any family members who have health conditions? 

  • How long have you been experiencing this issue for? Try and be specific with the timescales you provide, so we have the most up to date information.

  • How does the damp and mould appear? Giving us information on the appearance, colour and size of any patches as well as any other notable details such as smell.

 

Using Video Remote Assistance Technology to Investigate Damp and Mould 

Our Video Remote Assistance (VRA) helps us to diagnose damp and mould cases quicker and more effectively. Our trained technicians will guide you through the process using your smartphone or tablet. Customers can show the affected areas in real time, allowing us to assess the situation remotely. We can then provide immediate advice during the virtual inspection. Whether it is identifying the cause of dampness, suggesting preventive measures, or recommending repairs.

After reporting damp and mould to us, we will arrange a call in order to conduct a virtual inspection.

If you are not able to complete a virtual inspection over the phone, we will arrange a member of our team to carry out an in person inspection of your home.