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Please note the current waiting time for a damp survey is approximately two to five weeks. We are working hard to arrange surveys within 21 days for all new cases reported.

When you tell us there is damp or mould in your home we promise to

• give you the name of a person that will look after your case
• organise a full dampness survey to be carried out in your home
• let you know what the survey finds
• organise any repairs, including fixing emergency issues like leaks
• put right any cosmetic damage
• keep you updated on what happens next
• check if you are happy with what we have done.

If you have a damp repair you should phone 0131 200 2345. 

Causes of damp and mould

Damp and mould can be caused by lot of different issues like

• leaking pipes
• damaged or blocked drains and guttering
• leaking roofs
• damaged outside walls
• poorly installed decking or garden items
• condensation – read our tips below.

View our damp awareness guide

Damp and mould can also be caused by condensation. Condensation is moisture that forms on cold surfaces and where there is limited air movement.

Moisture is often created in kitchens and bathrooms but can cause damp or mould in other rooms even if they are warm.

Ways to reduce condensation

We should all try to reduce condensation from forming in our homes as it can lead to mould and cause damp. Mould and damp can increase the risk of illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.

Thankfully there are some simple steps you can take to help.

• Use window vents. Keeping the little vents in windows open will allow moisture to escape without making the room too cold.
• Dry clothes outside if you can.
• If you must dry clothes inside make sure the door is closed and the windows are open.
• Pull furniture away from walls to allow air flow.
• Open windows and let your rooms breathe for a short time every day.
• Try to keep rooms warm. 15 degrees or above if you can.
• Check that your bathroom and kitchen doors close fully and don’t have large gaps for steam to escape from.
• Close the kitchen door when cooking and use an extractor fan if you have one.
• Open the window after cooking to let moisture out.
• Use lids on pots and pans.
• Try to vent tumble dryers to the outside.
• Close the bathroom door when bath or shower is on and use an extractor fan if you have one.
• Open a window after using the bath or shower to allow the moisture to escape.

Things to avoid when keeping your home warm

It can sometimes be hard to keep our homes warm and we can make damp issues worse when trying to fix heat and air flow problems. We should try to avoid

• sealing up rooms that already have a condensation or mould problem
• adding extra sealant to windows in kitchens and bathrooms without small vents or extractor fans
• sealing any room that has a cooker, boiler or heater without checking with a housing officer first
• blocking up air bricks in walls or little vents in windows. These are needed to help your home breathe.

Contact us

If you’ve followed all the tips and still think there is an issue with dampness, mould or condensation in your home then phone the damp team on 0131 200 2345.