East Devon District Council supports first Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week

East Devon District Council is backing a national campaign to raise awareness of the health issues associated with damp and mould in residential properties.

Organised by home safety specialist Aico, Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week takes place between Monday 28 October and Sunday 3 November 2024 and marks the first time such an initiative has run.

Damp and mould can be a problem at any time but is particularly prevalent in the autumn and winter months, between October and April. The issues are generally caused by a build-up of condensation (common in kitchens, bathrooms, or other rooms with poor ventilation), penetrating damp (due to a water leak in the walls or roof) or rising damp (when water rises from the ground through the walls).

It is important to address damp and mould quickly, as they can be harmful to physical and mental health. In addition to supporting tenants with professional advice via its website, newsletters, Communities Team, housing offices and direct communications, East Devon District Council is committed to:

• Working with its repairs contractor to ensure that work to address damp and mould issues in the housing stock are prioritised.
• Reviewing historic cases and monitoring council homes that are at high risk of damp and mould.
• Thoroughly inspecting our void properties for any signs of damp and mould before they are re-let.
• Providing training for staff so they can better understand the causes of damp and mould and advise tenants on the best course of action.

The council’s top four tips for preventing damp and mould in the home are to:

1. Clean the affected surfaces with detergent to prevent mould growing.
2. Ventilate the home: open windows, use extractor fans, don’t block vents.
3. Dry clothes outside where possible (don’t hang clothes on radiators).
4. Heat the home to a consistent temperature.

If after following this advice council tenants experience continued, significant damp and mould in their homes, they should contact East Devon District Council via the online report it page or by calling 01395 517458. Private tenants are encouraged to report damp and mould to their landlord, or if landlords fail to act, contact the council’s Environmental Health Team.

Council tenants who are struggling to afford to heat their homes can get support from the Financial Resilience Team, who may in turn signpost eligible applicants to the Exceptional Hardship Fund.

Throughout Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week, the council will be sharing further advice across its social media channels.

Councillor Dan Ledger, Portfolio Holder Sustainable Homes & Communities, East Devon District Council, said: “We believe everyone in East Devon, whether as a private or council tenant or homeowner, deserves to live in a healthy home. We are therefore pleased to support Damp & Mould Action and Awareness Week, and hope that by raising awareness and offering some practical solutions, we can help residents prevent damp and mould problems before they become serious.”

Tony Boyle, Regional Director, Aico, said: “Damp and mould is a significant problem, particularly in the social housing sector. It is a serious health issue and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. We attend many events where we speak to a lot of social landlords, and the idea of this week has really come from the feedback we have had from them. There is an awareness of the issue and a willingness to do something about it, but what’s missing is having all the pieces of the puzzle in one place.”