Condensation, damp and mould

Condensation, damp and mould can affect any home and may cause serious health problems if not dealt with quickly. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is committed to providing safe, dry and energy‑efficient homes and to responding promptly when damp or mould is reported. 

This page explains: 

• What causes condensation, damp and mould 
• How to reduce moisture in your home 
• What the council will do if you report a problem 
• When to seek urgent help 

Why damp and mould matter 

Living with damp or mould can: 

• Worsen asthma and breathing problems 
• Increase the risk of respiratory illness 
• Affect mental wellbeing 
• Cause damage to your home and belongings 

Children, older people and those with health conditions can be more vulnerable. We take a person‑centred and health‑led approach to every report. 

What is condensation? 

Condensation happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, such as: 

• Windows 
• External walls 
• Corners of rooms 

Moisture in the air is mainly caused by everyday activities such as: 

• Cooking and boiling kettles 
• Bathing and showering 
• Drying clothes indoors 
• Breathing, especially when sleeping 

If this moisture cannot escape through ventilation, it settles on cold surfaces and can lead to dampness and mould growth. 

Is it condensation or another type of damp? 

Condensation is common, but it is not the only cause of damp and mould. 

Penetrating damp 

Caused by water getting into the property from outside, for example: 

• Leaking roofs 
• Damaged gutters or downpipes 
• Cracked brickwork 
• Faulty windows or doors 

Rising damp 

Moisture rising from the ground due to problems with the damp‑proof course. This often leaves visible 'tidemarks'. 

Leaks 

From internal pipework, appliances, showers or heating systems. 

 If you are unsure what type of damp you have, please report it. We will inspect the problem and identify the cause. 

What you can do to reduce condensation 

You can help reduce moisture in your home by: 

• Improving ventilation: 
  • Use extractor fans when cooking or bathing 
  • Open windows slightly when safe to do so 
  • Do not block air vents 
• Managing heating 
  • Try to keep your home at a steady temperature 
  • Avoid letting rooms get very cold, especially in winter 
• Everyday actions 
  • Keep lids on pans when cooking 
  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators where possible 
  • Wipe away condensation on windows and sills 

These steps can help reduce condensation, but they will not resolve damp or mould caused by building defects or inadequate ventilation. 

How we respond when you report damp or mould 

We take a zero‑tolerance approach to damp and mould in council‑owned homes. 

When you report a problem, we will: 

• Triage your report 
  • Every report is risk‑assessed 
  • We consider vulnerability (health conditions, children, age) 
  • Urgent or high‑risk cases are prioritised
• Inspect your home
  • Emergency cases: inspection within 24 hours 
  • Significant cases: inspection within seven days
  • Our officer will take photographs and identify the underlying cause 
• Take action
  • Emergency repairs are made safe within 24 hours 
  • Urgent repairs are completed within seven days of inspection 
  • You will receive a written report within three working days 
  • We focus on fixing the cause, not just cleaning mould 

In rare cases where a serious problem cannot be resolved quickly, we will consider temporary alternative accommodation, in line with council policy. 

• Follow up
  • We check that repairs have worked 
  • We stay in contact at three, six and 12 months after major works 
  • Escalation routes are available if issues do not improve 

Our responsibilities and your responsibilities 

The council is responsible for: 

• Structural defects 
• Leaks 
• Insulation 
• Heating and ventilation 
• Damp and mould caused by building issues 

Tenants are responsible for: 

• Allowing access for inspections and repairs 
• Following reasonable advice on ventilation and heating 
• Redecorating once repairs are completed 

We do not blame tenants for damp or mould – our priority is health, safety and fixing the problem. 

When to report damp or mould urgently 

Report the issue as soon as possible if: 

• Mould is spreading or returning after treatment 
• There is a strong or musty smell 
• Water is visibly running down walls 
• Someone in the household has breathing problems 
• A child, older person or vulnerable individual lives in the home 

Report damp or mould 

If you are a council tenant or leaseholder, report damp or mould as soon as you notice it so we can investigate and take action. 

If you have followed the steps above and are still suffering from damp or mould in your home, contact the Housing Repairs Team advising them of the problem. Contact us using our housing repairs contact form or telephone 01455 238141.

If you have a private rented or Housing Association property, contact your landlord in the first instance, you can refer to our private sector housing guidance on how to report a repair page to help you.

Last updated: 29/05/2026 12:51