Licensing and permits

Damp, mould or condensation

Find out how to tackle damp, mold and condensation.

Damp and mould patch at top of wall and ceiling

How to tackle damp and mould

Damp and mould growth is a common problem in privately rented homes in Liverpool.

Prolonged exposure to damp and mould is a serious health risk to occupants, especially children, elderly people, or people with a respiratory condition like asthma. It is a landlord’s responsibility to address the underlying causes of persistent damp and mould.

Visit GOV.UK for further details on addressing damp and mould.

How to deal with condensation

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air settles on cold surfaces. Everyday living activities such as breathing, bathing, washing, and cooking all create moisture, so they can contribute to condensation.

Excessive condensation is difficult to manage and can contribute to damp and mould. The presence of damp and mould cannot be blamed on ‘lifestyle’.

Share our leaflet on how to reduce condensation within the home with your tenants. 

Landlords should respond to tenants’ concerns with compassion and proactively address building deficiencies causing the persistent damp and mould. To address damp and mould caused by condensation, you can:

  • install and maintain appropriate extraction and ventilation systems in kitchens and bathrooms
  • use double-glazed windows with trickle vents to allow air to circulate through the property
  • improve your property’s energy performance
  • insulate the property to reduce cold spots where moisture can settle.

How to fix issue caused by damp

Landlords should fix structural issues causing damp.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp occurs when water enters the building due to external damage. Causes of penetrating damp can include:

  • damaged roofing, guttering and downpipes, including blockages caused by vegetation
  • leaking plumbing or pipework
  • cracks or holes in the brickwork or pointing.

Rising damp

Rising damp happens when the building soaks up water from the ground, leaving interior walls wet. It is caused by a building’s waterproof layer, or missing or damaged damp-proof course. Landlords should remedy rising damp quickly.

Traumatic damp

Traumatic damp occurs when leaking water from defective pipes or overflowing baths or sinks causes walls to soak. Water originating from outside of the building, from another building or environmental flooding can also be classed as traumatic damp.