Damp and mould advice for council tenants
We take reports of damp and mould very seriously and are committed to keeping your home safe and healthy. Under Awaab’s Law, we must investigate and resolve hazards within strict legal timeframes.
If you notice damp or mould, please contact us immediately on 01636 650 000.
You can also contact us via email or in person using the details at the bottom of this page.
Visiting your home
Depending on the nature of the problem you report, we will arrange a visit to your home and do the following:
- examine your property to see if any repairs are needed to remedy the issue, such as a leaking gutter or roof repairs
- consider any small improvements we can make to the home to reduce the likelihood of issues happening in the future, such as increasing ventilation or insulation
- check that your heating system is working correctly
How we deal with damp and mould
When you report an issue, how we respond will depend on whether it is classed as an emergency hazard or a significant hazard.
Emergency hazards
This would be where severe mould is causing health risks and electrical danger. We will inspect your home within 24 hours of being made aware of the potential hazard and make your home safe.
If we cannot remove the emergency hazard, we will provide you with alternative temporary accommodation until the hazard has been removed.
Significant hazards
This would be there is persistent mould or worsening damp. We will inspect your home within 10 working days of being made aware of the potential hazard.
We will provide a written summary within 3 working days of the investigation's conclusion. Necessary repair works will begin within 5 working days of the written investigatory report being issued, if the hazard could pose a significant risk to the health or safety of your household.
There may be circumstances where it is not reasonably practicable to complete the relevant repair works within this time frame. These works will be completed within 12 weeks.
If there is not an emergency hazard or significant hazard
These repairs will be completed within 30 working days.
Things you can do to help
There are some things that you can do which will help reduce moisture in the home which can contribute to mould, such as:
- drying clothes outdoors or in well heated and ventilated spaces
- cooking with lids on pans
- keeping air vents clean and trickle vents open on windows
- keeping your home warm – at least 18°c
- running your extractor fan or opening a window when cooking or showering
- moving furniture and beds away from external walls and corners of rooms to improve air movement in your home
Our damp and mould policy
You can find out more about how de deal with damp and mould problems here: Damp Mould Policy (PDF, 169kb)
Customer Services
- customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
- 01636 650 000
Office hours
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Castle House
Great North Road
Nottinghamshire
Newark
NG24 1BY
United Kingdom