Damp, mould and condensation

Everyday things like cooking, showering and drying clothes create moisture. If you don’t get rid of it, for example by opening windows or using fans, the moisture can make surfaces wet. This is called damp, and it can cause mould.

Is mould dangerous?

Mould can cause health problems, especially for:

• babies and young children
• older adults
• people with asthma
• people with weakened immune systems.

Living in a home with damp or mould may lead to coughing, wheezing, sore throat, breathing difficulties or skin irritation. If you experience these symptoms, please speak to your GP.

If you think mould is affecting your health, please tell us when you report it.

How to prevent mould

While we are responsible for identifying and fixing the cause of damp and mould, there are some steps that can help reduce condensation while we are working with you:

• use extractor fans or cooker hoods if you have them
• open windows regularly, especially after cooking or showering
• keep your home warm where possible
• wipe away condensation from windows and tiles
• dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated room
• dry clothes in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open, or with the fan on
• wash mould-affected clothes and clean carpets

What to avoid

• Do not block air vents
• Do not dry clothes directly on radiators
• Do not overfill cupboards (airflow is important)
• Do not use paraffin or flueless gas heaters
• Do not draught-proof kitchens or bathrooms
• Do not leave boilers or gas appliances unserviced

If mould is widespread, please do not try to clean it yourself, report it to us so we can treat it safely.

How to report damp or mould

If you are a tenant and mould keeps coming back even after following the steps above, you can contact us.

Under the new Awaab’s Law, introduced in October 2025, Brent Council has a legal duty to investigate and fix damp and mould quickly, especially where there could be a risk to your health or safety.

Council tenants

If you are a council tenant, you can report damp and mould by calling 020 8937 2400.

You can also report it to: dampandmould@brent.gov.uk 

How we will help you

When you report damp, mould, or anything that may affect your health, we must take action within strict legal timescales.

Emergency hazards

We will respond within 24 hours and ensure to investigate and make safe urgent issues like:

• major leaks
• dangerous electrical faults
• unsafe or broken external doors or windows
• severe structural issues

If anyone in your household has a vulnerability (for example, a health condition, disability, pregnancy, or young children), please tell us when you report the issue so we can prioritise your case.

Damp and mould

Following Awaab’s Law timescales, we will:

• assess your report within 24 hours, using photos or a video call where possible
• investigate significant damp or mould within 10 working days
• carry out work to make your home safe within five working days of the inspection
• plan or start any further repairs within five working days
• begin all follow-on works within 12 weeks at the latest

We will also:

• provide a written report and action plan within three days of our visit
• keep you updated throughout
• support you if the level of damp or mould is significant and temporary steps are needed
• not close your case until the issue is fully resolved

Keeping your home safe and healthy is our priority. We will not close your case until the issue is fully resolved.

Private rental tenants

You must first report damp or mould to your landlord.
If they do not respond within 14 days, you can contact Brent Council’s Private Housing Team who will support with enforcement action.

Housing Association

If you are a housing association tenant experiencing damp and mould, please report damp and mould directly to your housing association