Damp and Mould

Damp, condensation and mould are common household issues. They can have a significant negative impact on your wellbeing and how you feel about your home. It’s important to know what causes them and what you can do to prevent them.

Damp can form when moisture collects in an area and does not dry out properly. There are four main types of damp that may affect your home:
• Condensation
• Rising damp – when ground water moves up through a wall or floor
• Penetrating damp – when water passes from the outside to the inner surfaces of your home such as ceilings or walls
• Problems with your water or plumbing system

There may be things you can do to help reduce the moisture and condensation in your homes and the tips below help to explain some of these.  

How to report a mould or damp problem

• If you rent your property and you have a mould or damp problem, please notify your landlord first.  For information on contacting your landlord about property problems and repairs, please visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/housingrenewal
• If you’re a tenant of a Sunderland Council Housing property and you’re experiencing issues with damp and mould in your home, please contact us immediately by calling 0191 520 5551 or email sunderlandhousingservice@sunderland.gov.uk

• If you are a Gentoo resident and have damp or mould in your home call 0191 525 5500.  For further information visit Dealing with damp and mould – Gentoo Group

• If you’re a tenant of a privately rented property and your landlord doesn’t acknowledge your complaint or take appropriate action, please contact us at this point. We will be able to advise on what we can do to help resolve the problem. You can contact our Environmental Health Housing Team by calling 0191 520 5551 

If you have damp and mould in your home it can affect the health of you or your family.   If you feel like your health is being affected it is important you speak to your pharmacist or GP.