Condensation and mould: Handy tips for tenants during the colder months
As the weather gets colder, many homes in the UK are at risk of developing problems with condensation and mould. This can affect your health and damage your belongings. But don’t worry – there are simple things you can do to help.
What is condensation and why does it cause mould?
Condensation happens when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces like windows or walls. This makes water droplets appear, which can lead to mould growing. Mould looks like black spots and can make you feel unwell, especially if you have asthma or allergies.
Why is it important to stop mould?
- Health risks – mould can cause coughing, sneezing, and breathing problems
- Damage to belongings – it can ruin clothes, furniture, and walls
- Problems with your landlord – if mould appears because of how you use the home, you might have issues when it’s time to get your deposit back
Protect your deposit today
If you have taken a cash deposit, you must protect it in a government authorised scheme within 30 calendar days
How can you prevent condensation and mould?
Here are some easy tips to keep your home mould-free:
1. Keep your home warm
- Keep a steady temperature. Try to keep your home at around 18-19 degrees Celsius, even if you’re not there during the day
- Use heating wisely. It’s better to have the heating on low all day than to blast it for a short time
2. Let fresh air in
- Open windows. After cooking or showering, open a window for a little while to let the steam out
- Use extractor fans. If you have fans in the kitchen or bathroom, turn them on when you’re cooking or bathing
- Don’t block vents. Keep any air vents open so air can move around
3. Be careful with indoor activities
- Dry clothes outside. If you can, dry your clothes outside. If not, try to dry them in a room with an open window. Avoid drying clothes on radiators
- Cover pans when cooking. This stops extra steam from filling the room
- Keep lids on fish tanks. This reduces moisture in the air
4. Use a dehumidifier
- Reduce moisture. A dehumidifier takes water out of the air. It’s helpful in rooms where there is lots of moisture
- Low cost. Modern dehumidifiers don’t use much electricity and can make the room feel a bit warmer
5. Check for mould regularly
- Look out for signs. Keep an eye on places where mould might grow, like bathrooms or around windows
- Clean it quickly. If you see mould, wipe it off using a cloth and some mould cleaner. Wear gloves and keep the area ventilated
Talk to your landlord
If you have problems with damp or mould that you can’t fix yourself:
- Tell your landlord right away. Let them know about the problem as soon as you can
- Keep a record. Write down when you talked to them and what was said
- Work together. They might need to fix something in the property to help stop the mould
Know your rights and responsibilities
Your rights:
- Safe home. You have the right to live in a home that’s safe and free from health hazards like mould
- Protection. Your landlord can’t evict you or raise your rent just because you report a problem
- Help. If your landlord doesn’t fix serious issues, you can get advice from places like Citizens Advice
Your responsibilities:
- Look after the property. Use heating and ventilation to prevent mould
- Report problems. Let your landlord know about issues as soon as possible
- Avoid causing mould. Try not to do things that make mould worse, like drying clothes indoors without opening a window or drying them on the radiator
Why is this important now?
New laws in the Renters’ Rights Bill like the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law mean landlords must fix problems like mould quickly. This is to keep tenants safe and healthy.
Final tips
- Stay informed. Knowing how condensation and mould happen helps you prevent them
- Be proactive. Take steps to reduce moisture in your home
- Communicate. Keep talking with your landlord about any issues
Our tenant information infographic provides five top tips to help you prevent condensation and mould in your home. By following these tips, you can keep your home comfortable and healthy during the colder months.
For more advice on dealing with damp and mould, read mydeposits‘ guides: ‘Understanding damp, mould and condensation: how to avoid end of tenancy deposit deductions’ and ‘Condensation and mould: what landlords need to know and how to manage it effectively’.