Spotting the early signs of Damp & Mould
The social housing sector is a buzz with damp, mould and condensation chat. This is due to the new legislation that came into force on 27th October. Awaab’s Law, a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect tenants from unsafe living conditions was prompted by the 2020 death of Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to damp and mould. The law imposes strict requirements on landlords to address such hazards promptly. Initially, this is just for the social housing sector, but it’s expected to be extended to private landlords too.
Under Awaab’s Law, social housing landlords must:
- Investigate damp and mould complaints within 14 days.
- Provide written findings within 3 working days.
- Commence repairs within 12 weeks.
- Resolve emergency hazards within 24 hours, or relocate tenants if necessary.
For our clients, managing agents and property landlords who look after large and varied housing stocks, the challenges multiply and we’re working with many to deliver solutions that eradicate the problem for good. Sticking plasters and short-term solutions are not acceptable when people’s health is at risk.
Devastating affects
The tragedy of Awaab Ishak has been the driving force for change across the housing sector, highlighting the real danger of damp and mould. The impact of damp and mould on physical and mental health is significant, with the vulnerable, elderly and children most affected.
It can also affect the structural integrity of your property, and if not treated early, can cause structural damage. Damp can cause wood to rot, plaster to crumble, or floorboards to feel soft or spongy. Persistent damp can weaken walls, floors, and even foundations.
Act now to avoid disaster!
The positive news is that all these problems can be treated. Here are the key signs to look out for. Why not ask your tenant to report them before the problem escalates!
- Discoloration or Stains: Look for patches of discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors. These can start out as wet looking patches and may feel damp or wet to the touch. They can quickly become black, green, pink, or white and may appear fuzzy or slimy, and can grow quickly if left untreated.
- Musty or Earthy Smells: A persistent musty, damp, or earthy smell, especially in areas with poor ventilation (like bathrooms, basements, or behind furniture) is often an early sign of hidden mould or damp.
- High Humidity and Condensation: Consistently high humidity, condensation on windows, or sweating walls are warning signs that conditions are right for mould growth. Humidity above 55% is particularly risky for mould.
- Peeling or Blistering Paint and Wallpaper: Peeling, bubbling, or blistering may indicate moisture trapped behind the surface, often due to damp or mould. The surface may feel soft or spongy if pressed.
- Growth of Mould or Mildew: Visible mould can appear as black, green, or white patches, often in corners, around windows, or on grout and caulk in kitchens and bathrooms. Even small patches should not be ignored, as mould can spread rapidly.
- Allergy-like Symptoms: As well as physical signs in the property, unexplained coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or worsening asthma can be triggered by mould spores. If symptoms improve when you leave the house, mould could be the cause[1].
If you notice any of these signs, act quickly to identify and fix the source of moisture. Improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers, and repairing leaks are good first steps.
But if these problems persist, Kenwood is here to help!
Damp experts
Our experts can carry out a professional assessment of your property to identify problem areas, check ventilation, and recommend tailored solutions before issues escalate from Damp Proofing to Condensation Control.
In Control
One of the early warning signs and major contributors to damp and mould is condensation. Small condensation issues can often escalate into major concerns, so it’s important to stay ahead of the problem and take preventative steps
Condensation is caused by excess moisture building up indoors and everyday activities such as, cooking, cleaning, drying clothes, and even breathing releases moisture into the air. Without proper ventilation, this moisture settles on cold surfaces and can lead to damp problems.
To prevent this, air quality should be improved by reducing excess moisture to create a mould-free environment to protect people and properties.
At Kenwood, we offer condensation control systems which cover everything you need – from simple extractor ventilators and single room solutions to full positive pressure ventilation systems, which displace and dilute moisture-laden air and ensure air circulation within the property. They are designed to improve ventilation and eliminate condensation problems – whether in a single room or across an entire property. We also offer a hassle-free Health Check service where units are service annually and properties are inspected.
Whether you’re a housing provider, private landlord or just a homeowner with Condensation issues, Kenwood can help.
Get in touch with the experts today for advice or to book a survey: https://www.kenwoodplc.co.uk/condensation-control
References
[1] The 5 signs of mold in your home – Homes and Gardens
