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Damp and condensation

Condensation is the most common reason for tenants reporting damp in their properties

What is condensation?

Condensation is mainly caused by poor ventilation, heating and insulation. Through our Secure Warm Modern scheme, we aim to make this less of a problem, but condensation can still happen.

Exteme problems can cause staining and mould on walls, window frames, furniture and clothing.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to make this less likely to happen in your home.

How does it happen?

All air contains some invisible water vapour. The higher the air temperature, the more water vapour it can hold. Condensation happens when air carrying vapour comes into contact with a cool surface. This is why the bathroom mirror steams up after a shower, or a window steams up when you breathe on it.

What can I do to help prevent it?

Try following these steps:

• Keep lids on saucepans while cooking
• Tumble driers should be vented to the outside
• Avoid the use of bottled gas and paraffin heaters, which produce high levels of vapour
• Dry washing outside when possible
• When creating steam in the kitchen/bathroom open windows and close the doors to these rooms. This will let moisture escape and prevent it from spreading through the house
• Increase ventilation. Simply open a window - not too much so it makes the room too cold, but enough to let air pass through
• Try to keep temperatures in all rooms above 15 degrees C
• Do not draught proof kitchens and bathrooms
• Move furniture away from external walls to allow air circulation .

Take a look at our handy factsheet for ways to cut down on condensation.

Find more tips and useful advice in your Repairs Handbook.