Council leaseholders

As a leaseholder, you’re responsible for maintaining the inside of your home, this includes preventative methods for damp, mould and condensation. It is also your responsibility to ensure any issues in your home do not impact on fellow neighbours and you should keep your home in good state of repair. Read more about your responsibilities. 

We are responsible for maintaining the structure of your home, and all shared areas. For damp and mould this relates to the building's structure such as the roof and guttering. Read more about our responsibilities. 

Avoid disputes with a comprehensive property survey 

Before buying a property, we would advise having a licensed professional conduct a detailed property survey. This could help prevent disputes in the future. 

What causes damp?

Damp is caused by water finding its way into a property. There are three different types of damp that affect homes. They are: 

• Rising damp – when moisture is absorbed from the ground into the wall to the height of about one metre. This is the rarest form of damp.
• Penetrating damp – when water penetrates the fabric of a building from outside to inside, like a leak from a gutter.
• Condensation damp – when a property can't deal with normal levels of water vapour because of a lack of insulation, ventilation, or heating, or a combination of all these issues.

What causes mould?

Mould is a type of fungi. Moisture in the home often caused by damp, leaks or condensation that can cause mould to grow. Mould can grow quickly on damp surfaces. It can look like black stains, or specks of black, orange, green or brown.

What is condensation?

Condensation occurs when moist air meets a colder surface, like a wall or window. This then forms water droplets.

How will we help treat damp and mould? 

Resolving damp and mould can be complex, and sometimes multiple fixes are needed. 

If you suspect the damp and mould is caused by a structural building issue, please report this to us by completing our online e-form.

For other causes of damp and mould, generally, you should wash and clean any affected surfaces with a fungicidal wash. But to solve the root of the problem you may wish to hire a surveyor to investigate further as there can be many possible causes of damp and mould.