Are you suffering with damp and mould? Before you start treating a damp area, you will need to find the cause.
One likely cause of damp is condensation. Find out how to avoid this with our Damp and Mould Leaflet which gives you advice for keeping your home damp-free.
You can also watch this short video prepared by our gas contractor, Liberty: Keep your homes free from condensation, damp and mould.
Report it
If the mould or condensation has not gone away after following this guidance, speak to your landlord/housing provider.
If you do not have a response, please report it by filling out the webform below, or emailing environmental.health@harrow.gov.uk.
Council tenants
If you’re a council tenant, please report using the Housing repairs webform.
Alternatively, you can email photos to housing.repairs@harrow.gov.uk or call us on 020 8901 2630 where an advisor can discuss options for further investigation and repair.
Advice for keeping your home damp-free
Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cooler surface. It can appear as droplets on walls, ceilings, furniture and windows. It tends to be worse in winter and this extra moisture known as damp, often turns into black mould. If left untreated this can look and smell bad and damage clothes and furniture, as well as harming your health.
The only lasting way to reduce condensation is to improve ventilation and produce less moisture in your home. You can do this by following these steps:
Control Moisture Levels
- Dry clothes outside when possible, or on a clothes airer in a sunny, well ventilated area. Don't dry on radiators
- When bathing or showering use the extractor fan and keep windows open
- When cooking cover pans and use the extractor fan. Keep internal doors closed and ensure kitchen windows are open
- If you see any moisture on mirrors, windows and tiles around the home, wipe these down using a window squeeegee and microfibre towel.
Keep rooms ventilated
- Keep a small window or a trickle ventilator open in occupied rooms. Don’t block air vents.
- It is important that your heating system is checked regularly so that it works efficiently.
- Consider insulating your home and laying thick carpet with thermal underlay.
Heat your home
- Aim to keep temperatures between 18 and 21˚C in main living areas. In cold weather, keep low heating on, even when no one is home. This is better than shorter bursts of high heat.
- It is important that your heating system is checked regularly so that it works efficiently
- Consider insulating your home and laying thick carpet with thermal underlay
- If you’re worried about rising energy costs and keeping your home warm and damp-free, financial help and advice is available through the Household Support Fund and Shine London
Treating damp
Before you start treating a damp area, find the cause.
Ventilate the room, and consider purchasing a dehumidifier. Special damp-proof substances can be used to treat the affected area – remember to follow the safety instructions.
Other causes of damp
Other causes of damp Condensation is not the only cause of damp. Your home may also be affected due to:
- Leaking supply and waste pipes
- Slipped roof tiles or worn flat roofs
- Blocked guttering
- Gaps around window frames
- Cracked rendering and brickwork
Your health
If you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system. For more information visit nhs.uk
If you have symptoms, speak to your pharmacist or GP.