As homes have become better insulated, and as modern heating systems have been introduced, moisture in the air from everyday activities including showering and cooking becomes trapped. This can lead to moisture build up that encourages damp and mould around the home.  

We all know the impact that surface mould can have on our daily lives, but by making daily changes to your routine and following these simple steps, you can help reduce the risk of damp and mould in your house: 

1. Ventilate Your Home

• Open your windows for up to an hour each day to let fresh air circulate, even during the winter. If your window has trickle vents, keep these open where possible. It may seem counterproductive to keeping your home warm but dry cool air is easier and cheaper to heat than warm moist air.   
• Keep internal doors open during the day to allow air to move freely between rooms when you’re home. 

2. Use Extractor Fans 

• Always use extractor fans, where available, in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom when showering or bathing. Leave them on after your activity to clear any remaining moisture. 

3. Dry Clothes Properly 

• We encourage you to dry clothes outdoors if possible. However, if you have to dry them indoors, use a clothes airer in the bathroom if you can. Keep the door to the bathroom closed and either open a window or use an extraction fan to let the moisture out.  

4. Keep Your Home Warm

• Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home with a low background heat to reduce condensation rather than extreme bursts of heating. 
• Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators as this prevents them from working efficiently and adds moisture to the air. 

5. Use a Dehumidifier 

• In areas prone to damp, you can use a dehumidifier. This can improve health issues by reducing excess moisture in the air and the build-up of condensation, and it can also improve air quality. 
• Portable, electric dehumidifiers are a good way to reduce the impact of drying clothes inside. 

6. Monitor Problem Areas

• Regularly check for signs of damp, such as peeling paint, water stains, or a musty smell. 
• Mould can often hide behind large pieces of furniture that are pressed up against walls like beds, wardrobes and cupboards as air cannot circulate behind them. Check behind these pieces of furniture regularly.  
• Where possible, clean any small patches of surface mould with a shop-bought mould remover spray/kit.  

Please read our helpful guide to preventing condensation, damp and mould in your homes.

When to report mould and damp 

We encourage families to report all signs of damp and mould in their home at the earliest opportunity by using Pinnacle’s dedicated damp and mould reporting tool or calling them on 0800 031 8628. We encourage you to take photos to include as part of your report if possible.

Our Commitment  

Awaab’s Law, which took effect in October 2025, requires social landlords to address all damp and mould hazards within fixed timeframes. While we are not bound by this legislation, DIO has voluntarily committed to upholding the standards expected of a responsible landlord and our response times to damp and mould reports in UK SFA have been adjusted.

When you contact Pinnacle to report damp and mould, their teams will assess the severity of the problem by asking you a series of questions. Pinnacle will then coordinate with Amey or VIVO to begin their investigation to address the issue.  

Amey or VIVO will arrange a damp and mould First Responder to visit your home, potentially within 48 hours depending on the case’s severity. The First Responder may clean and treat areas of any damp and mould they find. They will also assess the property to validate the severity of the damp and mould. Following the visit Amey or VIVO will explain any further steps if the wash and treat activity is not sufficient. If we cannot fully complete the required work after investigation, we will provide you with a written summary within three days, outlining completed tasks and any remaining work.

When a severe case of damp and mould is raised, we will react quickly to address the issue, and ensure we are fully compliant with Awaab’s Law. If remedial actions are expected to take a long time, or if a family member has a known vulnerability, our policy is that families should be offered alternative accommodation within 24 hours.