If you spot signs of damp and mould in your home, please report it to us immediately so we can work together to resolve this. You can do this by filling in the form at the bottom of this page, emailing disrepair@northstarhg.co.uk or calling our Customer Services Team on 03000 11 00 11.
We take reports of damp and mould very seriously:
- Inspections will be prioritised within 10 working days
- Repair work will be carried out within 20 days, unless this requires specialist damp works which will be completed within 40 days
- 3 months after completion of works, we will complete a follow up call with you to ensure the work has been successful
There are lots of reasons that damp, mould and condensation can occur in homes. To make sure every case is properly investigated we will:
- Listen to you and take your report seriously
- Visit and inspect your home to find out what the cause is and any work that may be required
- Ensure all repair work is carried out, if needed
- Make improvements to the ventilation of your home (extractor fans etc.), if needed
- Undertake mould treatment, if needed
We may also provide advice on how we can work with you to make changes to prevent mould in the future.
For more detailed information about damp, mould and condensation click here to read our leaflet.
What are damp, mould and condensation?
Damp
Damp is when too much moisture gets into your home, making wet patches appear on walls, floors, or ceilings. This can happen from leaks, rain getting in, or water rising up from the ground. Damp can cause damage to your home and make it feel cold and uncomfortable.
Mould
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp or wet areas. It can appear as black, green, or white spots on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Mould can grow indoors when there is too much moisture. It’s important to remove mould quickly because it can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or breathing issues.
Condensation
Condensation is when water or moisture in the air collects on a cooler surface. Most people have condensation, such as droplets of water collecting on the window after a shower cooking. Condensation is usually nothing to worry about but, if left too long, it can lead to damp and mould.
How to avoid damp, mould and condensation
Keep your home properly ventilated
- Try and open windows regularly to let moisture out and fresh air in.
- Use an extractor fan if you have one.
- When you are cooking or having a shower or bath, try and keep the kitchen and bathroom doors closed.
Stop rooms from getting cold
- Mould can grow in very cold rooms – it is recommended that you do not let your home temperature fall below 14°C.
- If you are struggling to keep your home warm due to the high energy costs, contact our Welfare Benefits Team by phone on 03000 11 00 11 or by email at Welfare.Benefits@northstarhg.co.uk. They will be able to provide you with further support and advice.
Remove moisture from your home
- Condensation is a common cause of mould on the surfaces in your home – mainly in the kitchen and bathroom. To avoid this, wipe condensation or water droplets from walls, tiles, windows, and shower screens.
- If you have a leak or damp patch, please report this immediately to us.
Avoid placing furniture close to walls
- Mould can grow in spaces where air can’t circulate, so try and avoid having large pieces of furniture against the wall.
Don’t dry clothes on the radiator
- Drying clothes on the radiator increases the moisture that they release and can cause damp spots. Try and hang them on a clothes airer in a well-ventilated room with the door closed, if possible.
