If you are experiencing damp in your home, it’s important that we deal with it together, as soon as possible. The quickest and easiest to let us know is by using our repairs reporter.
How do I know if I have damp?
If your home hasn’t been properly protected from the elements, there’s damage to the roof or windows, you can see rising damp or you’re experiencing leaking pipes, this can create damp.
Damp usually occurs because there is damage to your roof or windows or have leaking pipes. In most cases you’ll notice a ‘tidemark’ on your walls.
If you cannot see any tidemarks or damage to your pipes and exterior of your home, then it could be condensation.
How do I identify mould?
Mould will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as a leakage in roofs, pipes, and walls. Usually, you will be able to smell it or notice its green, black, and white colours on varied surfaces. Mould will thrive with moist materials to feed on, such as wallpaper, wood and carpet.
Unfortunately, mould will continue to develop until it’s cleaned and removed. It’s important to report mould to us as soon as you notice it.
What is condensation?
Even when we can’t see it, there is moisture in the air. If the air gets too cold, it cannot hold all the moisture, and tiny drops of water appear on surfaces.
Like how your mirror mists over when you have a shower, or take a breath on a cold day.
Unlike damp, it does not leave a tidemark, and mainly happens during cold weather.
Keep a look out in corners, near windows, or in and behind wardrobes and cupboards – especially if the walls are north-facing.
Spotting the signs of damp
If you’re unsure if you have damp in your home, watch the video below to help you identify the signs.
What can I expect from ForHousing’s service?
We know we can always do better. By working with you, to listen to your opinions and feelings we will make positive changes, to make sure you feel satisfied with our services and trust us to deliver on promises. In June 2025, we involved tenants, and staff from the Council and ForHousing in the development of Cheshire West and Chester’s new Damp and Mould Policy, which sets out the approach to prevent and remedy damp and mould.
We’ll arrange an inspection for all reported cases of damp and will carry this out within 10 working days of being reported. Subject to approval from your landlord, we’ll aim to complete all damp repairs recommended by the inspection within 50 working days, apart from any works which may require materials being ordered and/or manufactured.
Qualified staff will be employed to accurately inspect, diagnose, and specify remedial works for damp and mould issues, as well as to carry out any necessary repairs to resolve the problem.
We’ll always take your individual circumstances into account before offering a solution, as there is no “one size fits all” approach.
How can you help prevent and manage damp and mould?
- Frequently check for damp and mould and report any issues.
- Report any repairs that may be affect the control of damp and mould in your home (for example faulty extractor fan, inability to open windows, lack of heating, roof leaks etc.)
- Keep to scheduled appointments for inspections and work.
- Keep the presence of moisture to a minimum e.g., cover pans when cooking, drying laundry outside (where possible), where it is safe to do so, keep the kitchen or bathroom door closed when cooking or bathing.
- Adequately heat rooms – ideally at 18°c.
- Keep the house well-ventilated e.g., open windows during cooking / bathing, turn on and ensure that the extractor fan or ventilation system installed is regularly cleaned and working, keeping trickle vents in windows open, and allowing air to circulate around furniture.
- Arrange adequate household contents insurance for the home.
- Follow all advice and guidance in respect of managing and controlling the return of damp and condensation.
