What Should You Do If You Discover Mould And Damp?
The Risks Of Living In A Home With Damp And Mould
Moulds are caused by too much moisture in a building, and they emit spores which can cause a variety of health effects. Some people are particularly sensitive to them, such as babies and young children, older people and those with allergies or asthma.
For those with allergies, breathing in or touching mould spores can cause severe reactions, including asthma attacks, fever, and shortness of breath, while for others, mould can bring on a runny nose, red or itchy eyes and irritated skin.
How To Identify Damp And Mould?
The reason condensation appears is due to moisture being present in the house, and the lack of adequate ventilation and heating. If not managed, condensation can lead to mould which can be potentially harmful to people and property. If you don’t prevent condensation mould will start to develop, and in ideal conditions mould can germinate in 24hours and you will be able to see the mould within two to three weeks. The longer that moisture is present, the greater the chance for mould to grow and spread.
If your home is suffering from mould, you may notice a musty or damp smell, black or green marks on the walls. Mould shows up quite clearly on many different wall surfaces. If your home is suffering from condensation and mould you will start to see signs of it very quickly, such as:
- Damp or wet walls and windows and furniture
- Peeling wallpaper
- Signs of mould growth
- A musty smell on clothes in wardrobes.
How To Report Damp And Mould?
If you find that a repair is needed, please report it to us as soon as possible. You can use the web form through our website https://www.hjaltland.org.uk/repairs/request to request a repair or telephone us on 01595 694986.
What Steps The Landlord Will Take When Reported?
The Technical Team will discuss with you what it is you can see and may request images, the location, if sensitive people are present, etc.
The Technical Team may visit your property prior to sending Maintenance Operatives if the case sounds complex or confusing information is provided.
The Technical Team will also discuss and provide the tenant with the following information:
- Savings we can help with through our Financial Inclusion Officer
- Ways to prevent damp and mould appearing in your home:
- Have you already tried to wash down?
- How are you heating your home?
- What ventilation do you have in your home?
- Are the vents in the kitchen and bathrooms working?
- Do you have an MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system in your property and is it on?
A copy of the Dampness and Condensation in Homes Factsheet will be provided
Actions To Treat Problem
The Technical Team will:
- Send Maintenance Operative to treat mould with mould eradication kit
- Inform the tenant who will attend and the timeframe for works to be undertaken
Technical Team to consider and discuss installing a ventilation unit or mechanical ventilation heat recovery system.
Provision Of Equipment
We will explain to tenants in clear terms how much they will cost to run a week and how to operate them effectively.
When It Will Be Completed?
Reports of mould or damp repairs will be treated as a general repair, which we commit to completing within 10 working days. Priority will be given to households who have babies and young children, older people and those with allergies or respiratory ill health such as asthma, COPD, etc.
How To Report A Recurrence?
You can report a recurrence by either contacting the Technical Officer you previously spoke to, or you can use the web form through our website https://www.hjaltland.org.uk/repairs/request to request a repair or telephone us on 01595 694986.
Resolve Visit Within 6 weeks Of Treatment
We commit to completing within 10 working days and with a target of right first time.