Dealing with condensation in your rented home
Too much condensation in your home can lead to damp and mould. If it's causing problems your landlord should investigate and do repairs or improvements to help reduce it.
Your landlord should not blame you for condensation caused by everyday activities like cooking, washing up or showering.
There are steps you can take to reduce condensation in your home.
When your landlord is responsible for problems with condensation
It’s your landlord’s responsibility if the condensation problem is being caused by:
a repair issue - for example a broken pipe or a badly-fitted window frame
lack of ventilation - for example if there’s no extractor fan or windows cannot be opened
lack of a heating system - for example if your boiler is not working
insufficient insulation
Condensation can lead to damp and mould, which can be a health risk, especially for people who are very young, elderly or unwell.
Contact your landlord and ask them to fix the problem. They should organise an inspection to find out what’s causing condensation to keep coming back.
Check our advice on identifying and reporting damp and mould.
How to reduce condensation
Condensation can be caused by day-to-day activities. Some condensation is normal, and you cannot get rid of it completely.
There are some ways you can limit condensation and prevent damp and mould. They may not be possible at all times, but if you can:
heat your home during cold weather
keep rooms ventilated - for example by opening windows for a few minutes each day, especially after cooking or showering
leave space between furniture and walls - this allows air to circulate
put lids on your pans when cooking and use the extractor fan if you have one
use a tumble-dryer or hang clothes outside
You could also buy a dehumidifier, or ask your landlord to provide one. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, reducing condensation. This can be especially useful if you're drying clothes indoors.
Removing condensation and mould
You can wipe down condensation that forms on a window to prevent it from leading to mould.
If condensation has caused mould to form, it is your landlord’s responsibility to remove it.
You could consider cleaning this yourself. Make sure to wear protection, and take steps to stop mould spores from spreading.
Check Which?’s guide on removing mould.
If the mould keeps coming back, your landlord will need to investigate.
Keeping your home warm enough
Condensation can get worse when it's cold outside. Heating your home can help prevent it.
It's your responsibility to keep your home at a reasonable temperature to reduce condensation. If your home is too cold, explain to your landlord this is causing problems with condensation, damp and mould.
They might be able to make energy efficiency improvements.
For example, they could install:
insulation in walls or lofts
a more energy-efficient boiler
double or triple-glazed windows
Check Home Energy Scotland’s guidance on making your home more energy efficient and saving money on energy bills.
If you’re unable to afford to heat your home check our advice on getting help to pay your energy bills.
If your landlord blames you for causing damp and mould
Your landlord should not blame you for damp and mould. Even if there is condensation, there could be another cause.
You should be able to do everyday activities in your home. If this is creating too much condensation, there is a problem that needs to be fixed.
Tell your landlord:
the condensation is causing damp and mould
the steps you’ve taken to reduce condensation in your home
what you want them to do
Use our letter template to help you. Copy and paste the sample text and personalise it with your details. Delete any parts that do not apply to you. Attach photos, videos or other relevant evidence.
Letter template: request an inspection for condensation problems
Subject: Damp and mould problem at <your address>
To <your landlord’s name/council or housing association>
I'm writing to let you know that despite taking steps to reduce condensation at <your address>, there is still too much condensation which is causing damp and mould.
I've taken reasonable steps to reduce condensation, including ventilating and heating my home.
I have attached <photos / videos / medical evidence> that show how the problem is <getting worse / damaging my belongings / affecting my health>.
Could you please <delete as appropriate: arrange a visit to investigate the cause/repair the underlying issue/make energy efficiency improvements so I can heat my home>.
Please confirm how long you expect <the investigation/repairs/changes> to take.
Thank you,
<your name>
<your phone number>
<date>
You can also send the letter as an email attachment or through the post:
Get an independent inspection
If your landlord is still blaming you for condensation, damp or mould, you could consider getting an independent inspection.
If you rent from a private landlord or housing association, you could ask your council’s environmental health team to do an inspection. They can investigate the problem, and force your landlord to fix it if it’s their responsibility.
Check our advice on contacting environmental health.
You can also pay for an independent inspection from a private company. They can tell you the cause and what is required to fix it.
Complain about your landlord
If your landlord is still refusing to investigate or is still blaming you, you can make a complaint.
Check our advice on:
If you’re experiencing discrimination
It could be discrimination if your landlord is not investigating condensation, and you think that’s because of characteristics such as your race or religion.
For example, it is discriminatory if your landlord assumes your condensation problem is caused by activities such as ritual bathing.
If you or a family member have severe health issues then a landlord refusing to investigate could also be discriminatory.
You can get help to work out if the discrimination you've experienced is unlawful by contacting the Equality Advisory and Support Service.
Last updated: 9 January 2025
Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.
This content applies to Scotland only.