Damp and mould can be worrying to discover in your home. You may be concerned about what is causing it, whether it poses a health risk, or what will happen after you report it.
At 1Let, we take all reports of damp and mould seriously. Our role is to investigate the cause, keep you informed, and work towards an appropriate solution.
If you report damp or mould to us, here's what you can expect.
Report the Issue as Soon as Possible
If you notice damp, mould, condensation, or water ingress in your property, we encourage you to report it as soon as possible through our maintenance reporting system.
When reporting an issue, it is helpful if you can provide:
- Clear photographs
- Details of which rooms are affected
- Information about how long the issue has been present
- Whether the issue appears to be spreading or returning
If anyone living in the property is a young child, elderly, pregnant, or has a respiratory condition such as asthma, please let us know when reporting the issue. This helps us assess the urgency of the situation and prioritise appropriately.
Early reporting allows us to investigate before an issue has the opportunity to worsen and can often lead to a quicker resolution.
We Assess the Initial Risk
Once we become aware of a damp or mould issue, we begin assessing the report.
Every situation is different. Some cases require urgent attendance, while others require a standard investigation.
We consider factors such as:
- The extent of any mould growth
- Whether water is actively entering the property
- Whether bedrooms or sleeping areas are affected
- Any health concerns that have been raised
- Whether young children, elderly occupants, pregnant individuals or people with respiratory conditions live in the property
Where there is an immediate concern for health or safety, we will prioritise attendance as quickly as reasonably possible.
We Investigate the Cause
One of the most important parts of the process is understanding why damp or mould is occurring.
Damp and mould can have a number of causes, including:
- Condensation
- Water ingress from outside the building
- Plumbing leaks
- Roof defects
- Ventilation issues
- Insulation defects
- A combination of several factors
Rather than making assumptions, we take an evidence-based approach. This means we investigate first and gather information before reaching conclusions.
Depending on the circumstances, the investigation may be carried out by a Property Manager, a contractor, or a specialist surveyor.
The investigation may include:
- A property visit
- Photographs and observations
- Discussions with the occupants
- Assessment of ventilation and extraction
- Consideration of any building defects or maintenance issues
Our aim is not simply to identify where mould is appearing, but to understand the underlying cause so that the most appropriate action can be taken.
We Keep You Updated
Clear communication is an important part of the process.
Following the investigation, we will explain:
- What was found
- The likely cause of the issue
- Whether repairs are required
- What the next steps will be
If further investigations or specialist reports are needed, we will explain this and keep you informed of progress.
Where factors outside our control affect timescales, such as specialist availability, access issues, or common repairs within a tenement building, we will provide updates and explain what action is being taken.
We Follow Up
Our involvement does not necessarily end once work has been completed.
Where damp or mould-related repairs have been carried out, we may follow up to ensure the issue has improved and that any remedial works have been effective.
In some cases, a further inspection or specialist review may be appropriate, particularly where issues have been persistent or recurring.
What If the Cause Is Condensation?
Condensation is one of the most common causes of mould growth in residential properties, particularly during colder months.
As part of our initial response, we may provide guidance on heating, ventilation, and moisture management within the home to help tenants reduce condensation and monitor whether this improves the issue.
However, we do not assume that condensation is automatically the cause of every mould report. Ventilation, insulation, building condition, and other factors must all be considered as part of our investigation.
If concerns persist, recur, or there are indications of an underlying defect, further investigation may be required.
Need More Advice?
If you're looking for practical advice on reducing condensation and preventing mould growth, we have produced a free Condensation & Mould Advice Guide for tenants.
The guide includes information on:
- Ventilation and airflow
- Heating your home effectively
- Managing moisture from cooking, showering and laundry
- Cleaning small areas of mould safely
- When to report concerns to 1Let
Please contact us if you would like a copy of our free Condensation & Mould Advice Guide for tenants.
Our Commitment
Everyone deserves to live in a safe, well-maintained home.
At 1Let, our approach to damp and mould is based on early action, clear communication, thorough investigation, and evidence-based decision making.
If you are concerned about damp or mould in your property, please report it as soon as possible. The earlier an issue is identified, the sooner we can investigate and work towards a resolution.