How to handle damp and mould as an Oxford City Council tenant
We will start by carrying out a survey to identify what kind of damp there is and what may be causing this.
As part of that survey we may also treat any mould.
Where further work is needed, we will identify what this is and arrange to have it carried out. We may need to review the results of the initial survey before we can schedule any work to put things right.
If necessary, we will offer advice on managing condensation.
If we believe the cause is condensation we will also look at how we could improve ventilation or heating in your home – for example, by installing background ventilators, fitting bigger radiators or installing extractor fans.
Where no other work is originally identified, we will usually ask you to follow the measures we have suggested to manage condensation.
If you still have problems with damp and mould after four weeks, please call us again. We can then consider installing monitoring equipment so we can look at the problem in more detail.
If housing or ODS staff need to visit your home or contact you any other reason for we will ask you if you have any problems with damp or mould.
Support
You can get free advice about your energy costs by phoning us on 01865 252372 or emailing energyadvice@oxford.gov.uk.
Guidance for housing association and private tenants on damp and mould issues
If you are a private rented or housing association tenant you should contact your landlord or managing agent to report problems with disrepair, damp and mould. You should do this in writing.
If your landlord does not respond within 14 days or will not carry out work to fix the problem, contact us:
- call 01865 252211 or email rrt@oxford.gov.uk
We will need:
- your name, address and contact details
- the date the problem was reported
- your landlord’s name and contact details
- the report reference number, if you are a housing association tenant
- evidence like photos or emails to your landlord reporting the problem
We will then contact you to discuss your complaint and may arrange to inspect your home.
If we identify problems needing repair, we will ask your landlord to carry out any necessary work. If your landlord does not take action, we can serve them with an improvement notice.
All private rented homes in Oxford now need a licence. It is a condition of our licensing schemes that landlords and agents carry out regular inspections of the homes they rent out to identify disrepair problems.
Support
Better Housing Better Health may be able to advise you on keeping warm and lowering your energy bills. Phone 0800 1070044 or see the Better Housing Better Health website for more details.
Charis administers grants for people struggling to pay their energy bills on behalf of large energy companies. View current and future grants on the Charis website.
Homeowner advice on dealing with damp and mould
If you are a freeholder you are responsible for carrying out work to your own home.
If you live in a leasehold flat, your lease will outline who is responsible for any and all repairs. If you’re in a dispute with the freeholder over damp issues, check your lease.
You will need to know what type of damp is affecting your home.
The freeholder will normally be responsible for repairs to the building’s structure and shared parts like communal stairways. If damp is caused by an issue inside your flat, it could be your responsibility to deal with the issue.
You may be able to reduce the risk of condensation by making improvements to your home, for example:
- loft insulation
- draught proofing
- cavity insulation
- double glazing
- windows with trickle ventilators
- thermostatic radiator valves
- boiler repair or replacement
Support
Better Housing Better Health may be able to advise you on keeping warm and lowering your energy bills. Phone 0800 1070044 or see the Better Housing Better Health website for more details.
Our Home Improvement Agency can help with adaptions to a home and general household repairs, minor electrical and plumbing works, heating and energy efficiency measures and home safety and security. Grants or loans may be available to undertake any necessary work. Phone 01865 252788, email hia@oxford.gov.uk or see our Home Improvement Agency page for more details.
Charis administers grants for people struggling to pay their energy bills on behalf of large energy companies. View current and future grants on the Charis website.
