If you are concerned that damp and mould may be affecting your health then you should contact a healthcare professional.
Quick summary
| Who it's for | All council tenants in Leeds |
|---|---|
| Why we do it | To protect tenant health, prevent property damage, and comply with legal standards |
| When it happens | Whenever damp, mould, or condensation is reported, or identified during inspections |
| What you need to do | Report issues promptly Allow access for inspections and repairs Follow prevention tips |
| How long it takes | Emergency hazards: made safe within 24 hours Significant damp/mould: investigated within 10 working days, made safe within 5 working days of inspection Written summary provided within 3 working days of investigation concluding |
Risks to your health
Everyday activities in your home can lead to condensation and mould forming.
Living with damp and mould can cause serious and long lasting heath issues, particularly to people with certain health conditions.
People most at risk from damp and mould
Those most at risk from damp and mould are:
- people with a pre-existing health condition (for example allergies, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, other lung diseases and cardiovascular disease)
- people who have a weakened immune system, such as people who have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy, people who have had a transplant, or other people who are taking medications that suppress their immune system
- people living with a mental health condition
- pregnant women, their unborn babies and women who have recently given birth, who may have weakened immune systems
- children and young people whose organs are still developing and are therefore more likely to suffer from physical conditions such as respiratory problems
- children and young people who are at risk of worsening mental health
- older people
- people who are bedbound, housebound or have mobility problems making it more difficult for them to get out of a home with damp and mould and into fresh air
Common symptoms
Some of the more common symptoms caused are:
- cough
- wheeze
- shortness of breath
- infections
- worsening of asthma
Other non-respiratory health conditions, such as irritation of the eyes, eczema and fungal infections can also be caused by damp and mould.
Preventing damp, mould, and condensation
Condensation
It’s normal to find condensation, especially during the colder months. If left untreated it can lead to problems such as mould growth, staining of wallpaper and wall surfaces, and damage to window frames, furniture and clothing.
Tips to help reduce condensation
- Try to keep your home between 18 and 21°C as this will reduce condensation from forming on cold surfaces. If you are struggling with your heating and energy bills, there is support available.
- Condensation in the home occurs when there is too much moisture in the air. Make sure vents and air bricks are not obstructed. If you are cooking or bathing open windows slightly to reduce steam, close the door and use extractor fans where possible.
- Dry washing outside where possible. If you need to dry clothes indoors, leave a window opened slightly and close the door.
- Open windows whilst bathing or cooking and leave them open for 20 minutes after (if safe to do so).
- Wipe down condensation from windows, walls and other surfaces like tiles. After bathing, wipe down shower doors and tiles to remove any moisture.
Other causes of damp
Condensation is not the only cause of damp, it can also come from:
- leaking water pipes, waste pipes and overflows
- rain penetrating gaps in the brickwork, roof, window frames, and around doors
- defects in guttering and pipes, faulty flashings, poor pointing and cracked rendering
- rising damp that can cause stained plaster, peeling wallpaper, rotten skirting boards and floors
Mould
Mould growth will form if condensation is not wiped down and removed. This is common in most homes.
You can prevent it becoming a serious problem, or damaging your possessions, by wiping it down with a mould spray as soon as you notice it.
We can provide mould sprays free of charge. If you would like one, please contact your local housing team.
Mould growth can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Watch this short video on how to help prevent mould in your home.
Reporting a damp or mould problem
You should report damp, mould, or condensation problems to us straight away. You can do this in the following ways:
Phone
Call 0800 188 4000
Email dandmteam@leeds.gov.uk and provide:
- your name
- your address
- a contact number
- a brief description of the problem
- photographs of the problem
In-person
Visit your local community hub or housing office.
Please provide details of the problem and let us know if anyone in your household is vulnerable or has health conditions.
After reporting a damp and mould concern
| Our response | Timescale |
|---|---|
| We will investigate any potential significant hazards | Within 10 working days of becoming aware of them |
| You will receive a written summary of the findings | Within 3 working days of the investigation concluding |
| We will initiate safety work for significant hazards | Within 5 working days of the investigation |
| We will make emergency hazards safe | Within 24 hours |
Homes with children, older people, or people with health conditions are prioritised.
Additional advice and policies
- You can help to prevent and manage damp and mould in your home by following the advice from Shelter.
- Read about your responsibilities to keep the property in reasonable condition as part of the tenancy agreement.
- Check the timeframes for repairs under Awaab’s Law.
- Check our standards of timescales for repairs inspections.
- Read about the council's damp and mould policy.
- If something went wrong, you can submit a complaint.
