Condensation, Damp and Mould
Rotherham Council adopts a zero tolerance, pro-active approach to damp, mould and condensation within Council owned properties, and supports other landlords in the borough to do the same. A dedicated damp and mould team provides prompt and decisive responses to all reported cases. The team ensures that the Council's housing stock is free from damp and mould, protecting the health and wellbeing of Council’s tenants.
The Council aims to identify and promptly address the root causes of damp and mould. The Council has a continuous training program in place for frontline professionals to identify and report damp and mould, as well as engage with residents and use conversations around the topic as teachable moments without judgment.
Signs of damp and mould
- Visible mould growth
- Patches of discolouration around windows, walls, ceilings, and/or floors.
- Condensation on windows and pipes
- Peeling paint/wallpaper
- Musky smell
- Walls cold to touch
Causes of damp and mould
- Excess moisture
- Inadequate heating
- Inadequate insultation/building materials
- Insufficient ventilation.
How Room Temperature Affects Your Health
|
Room Temperature |
Impact |
|---|---|
|
21ºC |
Perfect habitable room temperature |
|
18ºC |
Recommended for kitchen and bedroom. No risk to healthy individuals |
|
16ºC |
Increased risk of respiratory illnesses – colds, pneumonia, flu etc. |
|
12ºC |
Prolonged exposure leads to blood thickening – increasing chances of high blood pressure and stroke |
|
9ºC |
Body temperature falls, serious long-term impacts on heart, lungs, and brain. Extreme cases can lead to hyperthermia and death |
Report damp and mould in a Private Property
People living in private rented accommodation are encouraged to contact their landlord at the earliest opportunity when identifying/dealing with damp and mould in the home. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that accommodation is safe, and they must treat damp and mould related issues seriously.
If landlords do not act, contact the Council’s Community Protection and Environmental Health team by phone 01709 823118.
Report damp and mould in a Council home
Council tenants should report any damp and mould issues via telephone 01709 336009.
