If you are experiencing damp in your home, it’s important that you let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible. The quickest and easiest way to let us know is by using our online repairs reporter tool.
How do I know if I have damp?
If your home hasn’t been properly protected from the elements, due to issues like damage to the roof or windows, rising damp, or leaking pipes, this could lead to damp problems. In most cases, you’ll notice signs like a ‘tidemark’ on your walls.
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. Last year, we launched a brand-new repairs service for damp and mould.
The new process was co-designed by a dedicated task force, tenants, partners, and staff across ForHousing.
We consulted with hundreds of tenants and community members and listened to their feedback to make big changes to how we handle damp and mould related repairs.
We’d like to thank you for getting involved on this journey and helping us to improve – we couldn’t do it without your support!
So, what did we change?
You can report an issue to any member of staff, not just the service centre, without being passed to someone else. All ForHousing customer facing colleagues have been trained on how to “diagnose” your repair and advise you on next steps.
All staff have access to any recent repairs history so they can see the bigger picture, e.g., how often you’ve reported a repair and if you have any others in progress.
It doesn’t matter if you report via the website, or on a call, you’ll be asked the same questions, so you get the right service every time.
We’ll arrange an inspection for all reported cases of damp and will carry these out within 10 working days of being reported, but aim to be with you sooner. We’ll aim to complete 90% of all damp repairs within 40 working days, allowing space for those longer-term solutions.
Operatives will update the outcome of every visit in real time, so both you, and your neighbourhood officer, have the most up to date information. You can track your repair from start to finish by visiting MyAccount+.
We’ll always take your individual circumstances into account before offering a solution, as there is no “one size fits all” approach.
We want to provide the right support for you if you experience damp and condensation issues in your home, so here are just a few ways we can help you:
Damp
- Installing a new damp-proof course to create a barrier and prevent water from the ground rising up.
- Remove and re-plaster affected areas.
- Replace any rotted woodwork affected i.e., skirting boards.
Condensation
- Inspect the loft area to ensure the insulation is dry, sufficient and covers all areas.
- Check that fans and vents are operating effectively.
- Install bathroom or kitchen extractor fans, trickle vents on windows, and additional condensation vents where none are present.
What if damp comes back after treatment?
We work hard to make sure damp and mould problems are fixed first time. However, in a small number of cases, damp can return. Here’s what you need to know:
Rising damp
In around 3% of rising damp repairs (that’s about three in 100), damp may reappear. If it does, it usually takes up to two years to come back.
If you notice any signs of damp returning, please let us know right away. We’ll come back out to resolve it. It’s very unlikely, but we want you to be aware so you can get in touch if needed.
Not sure if you have rising damp? Click here to find out what to look for.
Penetrating damp
In around 7% of penetrating damp repairs (seven in 100), damp may return. This usually happens within three to six months of the repair.
Please keep an eye out and contact us if you see any signs of damp coming back.
Again, it’s rare, but we’re here to help if it does.
Condensation and ventilation
In around 11% of condensation-related repairs (11 in 100), damp caused by condensation may return. This typically happens within six to nine months.
If you spot any signs of condensation returning, please let us know.
We’ll come back to investigate and fix the issue.
Need help or have concerns?
We’re here to help – if you’re worried about any kind of damp or condensation, whether it’s a new issue or something coming back –please contact us.
You said…
You would like us to offer a ‘fume free’ anti-mould treatment alternative
We listened and…
We now offer a 100% organic product which is available upon request whenever we treat damp and mould in your home
You also said…
You were dissatisfied that your kitchen units were put back after damp works had been completed, as you felt they were damaged by the damp and should be replaced.
We listened and…
We now inspect kitchens before any damp works take place to assess whether they are suitable to be refitted with a new kitchen. This is discussed and agreed with each tenant. If the kitchen is damaged, we then work with you to offer a choice of new kitchen and ensure it is ordered and ready to fit once the damp works are completed.
You also said…
We should look at the different ways we communicate damp and mould information such as on the newsletter and website to make sure it is the same.
We listened and…
A working group of colleagues and involved tenants has been set up to review damp and mould information.
You also said…
Further information should be provided around heating homes and what the cost may be.
We listened and…
We will look at the information we provide both digitally and offline and update the cost for heating homes to prevent damp and mould.
You also said…
We should look at the use of digital communications and explore other non-digital ways to share information and guidance on damp and mould.
We listened and…
We launched our tenant newsletter that is also available as a printed version. This will include damp and mould information. We will also look into whether we can plan a printed damp and mould flyer to be sent to homes.
