Damp and Mould

At GCHA, we understand that damp, mould, and condensation can be worrying. We are committed to tackling these issues quickly and supporting our residents to keep homes safe, healthy, and comfortable all year round.

While some condensation is a normal part of daily life, especially in colder months, persistent damp or mould is not, and should never be ignored.

Learn more about your rights and landlord responsibilities under Awaab’s Law

Damp and mould are more than just a nuisance. Government guidance confirms they can seriously affect your health, causing respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and even impacting your mental wellbeing.

That’s why we take every report seriously.

As your landlord, GCHA is legally required to act promptly and thoroughly. We won’t wait for medical evidence before investigating a report of damp or mould. Instead, we aim to identify and fix the underlying cause, not just treat the surface. This includes resolving issues like:

• Leaks
• Poor ventilation
• Faulty insulation
• Cracks or water ingress

We are also required to meet new standards under Awaab’s Law, including clear timeframes for action.

There are several possible causes:

• Condensation – caused by too much moisture in the air from everyday activities like cooking or drying clothes
• Penetrating damp – water entering through leaks, cracked brickwork, or damaged roofs
• Rising damp – moisture travelling up through the walls or floor from ground level

Whatever the cause, we’re here to investigate and resolve it.

We all have a part to play in keeping homes healthy. There are simple steps you can take to help reduce condensation and prevent mould:

 Ventilate your home daily – open trickle vents and windows, especially after showering or cooking.
 Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
 Avoid drying clothes on radiators – try drying near a window or use a dehumidifier.
 Keep furniture a few inches away from external walls to allow air to circulate.
 Maintain a steady, warm temperature during colder months.
 Wipe down windows and sills regularly to prevent moisture build-up.

We’re working hard to stay ahead of damp and mould issues by:

• Logging and reviewing all reports to spot wider trends.
• Acting fast to tackle root causes.
• Ensuring our contractors and staff are trained on the risks and how to respond.
• Providing advice and support where needed to help prevent problems in the first place.

If the issue isn’t something you can control, like a leak, fault or lack of insulation, we’ll take care of it.

If you spot black mould, peeling wallpaper, damp patches or musty smells, please don’t wait, report it as soon as possible:
Email: general@gcha.org.uk
Phone: Contact our main customer service number during office hours – 01474 369 830
Resident Portal: Log an issue anytime through the GCHA Customer Portal

Early reporting means we can act fast and prevent further damage.

If you’re worried about heating your home or energy bills, help is available:
NEA WASH Advice Line: 0800 304 7159

Together, we can help keep your home dry, safe, and healthy. If something doesn’t look or feel right, get in touch. We are here to help.