Keeping you safe
Damp and mould
If you are experiencing damp in your home, it’s important that we deal with it together, as soon as possible. We operate a zero‑tolerance approach to damp and mould and will investigate and address all reports in line with our Damp and Mould Policy (PDF, 349KB) and Awaab’s Law.
This policy applies to all Council homes and communal areas. Reports will never be dismissed as ‘lifestyle related’ and we will always take responsibility for investigating and resolving the underlying cause where it is within our control.
Please make sure to report it to us as soon as you can.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What can I expect from the Council?
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 in the development of Cheshire West and Chester’s new Damp and Mould Policy (PDF, 349KB) which sets out the approach to prevent and remedy damp and mould.
Once a report is received:
- the report will be logged in our system
- an inspection will be arranged and carried out within 10 working days
- if an emergency hazard is identified, we will take action within 24 hours
- the inspection will be completed by trained and qualified staff
Qualified staff will 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.
What happens after the work has been completed?
We will contact you within four weeks to check that completed work has addressed the reported problem.
If the damp and mould issues have not been resolved, we will arrange a further inspection to identify reasons for the reoccurrence of the issue(s). We aim to undertake these inspections within 14 calendar days.
- frequently check for damp and mould and report any issues
- report any repairs that may 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
- follow all advice and guidance in respect of managing and controlling the return of damp and condensation
