Condensation and Mould

Keeping your home free from mould and damp is essential to your health and wellbeing. We are committed to maintaining safe, decent homes for all residents. Under Awaab's Law, we are now legally required to investigate and address reports of damp and mould within clear timeframes. This guidance explains what condensation is, how to help prevent it, and what to do if mould appears in your home. 

Please see our condensation leaflet for information on tackling damp and mould this winter.

What is condensation?

Condensation happens when warm, moisture-rich air comes into contact with a cold surface, or when the humidity level in your home is too high. As the warm air cools down rapidly, it can no longer hold all the moisture, so the excess water is released as droplets on the cold surface - like windows, walls, or mirrors.

What causes condensation?

• Excess moisture in the air – from everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and drying clothes indoors.
• Cold surfaces – such as windows, external walls, and uninsulated areas that cause warm air to cool rapidly.
• Uneven or insufficient heating – leading to temperature differences between rooms and surfaces.
• Poor ventilation – not enough fresh air flowing through the home to carry moisture out.

 

Why is condensation a problem?

While condensation itself isn't always dangerous, if left unchecked, it can lead to mould, which can damage your home and seriously affect your health, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Ways to reduce condensation in your home 

While landlords are responsible for addressing damp and mould under Awaab's Law, you can help reduce condensation by making a few simple changes to daily routines. Here are some practical steps:

Use pan lids and extractor fans when cooking

Always cover pans with lids while cooking to reduce steam. If you have an extractor fan or cooker hood, turn it on and leave it running for 10–15 minutes after cooking to clear out remaining moisture. Some modern fans have humidity sensors that adjust automatically.

Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed

Close doors while cooking, boiling the kettle, or taking a bath/shower to stop steam from spreading to colder rooms, where it can cause condensation and mould.

Dry clothes outside where possible

Wet clothes release a lot of moisture. Dry them outside when you can. If drying indoors, do so in a room with the door closed and a window open for ventilation.

Use extractor fan in bathroom

Make sure your bathroom extractor fan is switched on and working, as this will help to reduce any excess moisture from baths and showers.

Make sure your tumble dryer is properly vented

If you have a tumble dryer make sure it is properly vented to the outside.  One load of washing can release up to 2 litres of water into the air.

Keep furniture away from external walls

Leave at least a 50mm gap between furniture and outside walls to allow air to circulate.

Open windows when weather allows

On warmer days, opening a window slightly in rooms you use regularly can help air flow and reduce moisture. Breathing alone adds moisture to the air, so ventilation is important.

Wipe down cold surfaces after use

If you notice condensation in your home, wipe it down as this will help to stop mould from forming.

Maintain adequate heating

Keeping your home heated evenly (ideally between 18°C - 21°C) helps prevent cold surfaces where condensation can form. Insulated walls and double-glazed windows also help retain heat and reduce moisture build-up.

Avoid over-filling wardrobes and cupboards

Over-filled cupboards trap moisture and stop air from circulating, creating the perfect conditions for mould. If clothes smell musty, it's a sign of poor ventilation.

Cover fish tanks

Uncovered fish tanks release moisture into the air.  If you have a fish tank make sure it is covered to prevent excess moisture in your home which would result in condensation.

Increase Ventilation

Always keep a small window or an air vent open when you are at home to reduce condensation build up. If you have trickle air vents, keep them open all the time.