Dampness can cause mould on walls and furniture and make window frames rot. Damp cold housing encourages the growth of mould and mites, as mites feed on moulds and can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses in some people. Some damp is caused by condensation.
You can reduce condensation and dampness in your home by
- Producing less moisture in your home by drying washing outdoors, ensuring your tumble dryer is properly vented, covering pans when cooking and avoiding paraffin or portable flueless bottled-gas heaters;
- Ventilate your home properly to remove the moisture by using trickle ventilation and opening windows, this is particularly important for bathrooms and kitchens;
- Insulate and draught proof your property as condensation is less likely in a warm home;
- Heat your home a little more.
Dampness may also be due to disrepair of the property. Advice regarding property repair is available from Dealing with Disrepair page.
If you are a tenant you should report any problem of damp to your or landlord. If you are a private tenant and your landlord has failed to deal with issues of disrepair the may be able to assist.