As the colder months approach, Royal Borough of Greenwich council tenants are being reminded of how to spot damp, mould and condensation in their homes and how to report it.
In 2022, we started a three-year transformation of how we manage, treat and prevent damp, mould and condensation across our council homes. We overhauled our response times, prioritised vulnerable residents and put in place seasonal follow-ups and preventative checks.
We also improved our call centre scripts, webpages, online forms and letters to ensure residents can easily report issues to us and that we provide the right information at the first point of contact.
Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said: “We know that damp and mould is a big concern for our tenants and it’s something that we take extremely seriously. We want every home to be a safe and secure place where tenants can live comfortably and lead healthy lives.
“It’s vital that residents report any concerns about damp or mould as soon as they arise, so we can take prompt action to resolve them. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant improvements to our repairs service, and we now have a dedicated team of specialists in place to investigate and respond to all reports received.”
If you suspect you have a damp or mould issue, the tell-tale signs to look for include:
- water on windows, especially in the mornings
- black mould on walls, ceilings, around windows or behind furniture
- a musty smell in rooms
- damp patches on walls or ceilings that may grow after rain
- localised patches of mould
- tide-mark stains on walls, usually up to one metre high
- flaking paint or plaster near skirting boards
- salty white deposits on walls or floors
If you are a council tenant and are concerned about any aspect of damp, mould or condensation in your home, please get in touch with us and we will investigate and treat it.
You can use our online form at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/damp-and-mould or call freephone 0808 175 6915 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm). These webpages include useful information on how you can reduce condensation and mould in your home.
We will visit your home to complete an inspection within 10 working days and arrange a non-toxic mould wash within 5 working days after inspection. All emergencies will be inspected within 24 hours. We will also issue any work needed to improve the situation.