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Dampness, Mould and Condensation in your Home

See Damp? See Mould? Report It Today.

West Lothian Council takes reports of damp and mould seriously.

If you suspect that you may have damp or mould in your council home, please report it straight away.

West Lothian Council will investigate the problem and take the necessary action where required.

 

NEED TO REPORT DAMP OR MOULD - CONTACT US TODAY

Damp and Mould Enquiry Form
Request a Repair
Telephone: 01506 280000

If your enquiry is in relation to an emergency repair, or you have water coming into your property, then please telephone 01506 280000.

Tenants of other Registered Social Landlords or Private Landlords should report any issues directly to their own Landlord.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:

✅ Black mould on walls, ceilings or around windows
✅ Damp patches on walls, floors or ceilings
✅ Peeling wallpaper or paint
✅ Musty or damp smells
✅ Condensation on windows
✅ Water staining from leaks
✅ Mould in cupboards, wardrobes or behind furniture

Don't wait for the problem to get worse. Report it as soon as you notice it.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I GIVE?

Please tell us:

✓ Your name and address
✓ Your contact telephone number
✓ Which rooms are affected
✓ What the damp or mould looks like, including any pictures or videos.
✓ How long the problem has been there
✓ If anyone in your household has any vulnerabilities or health problems which are affected by damp or mould.

Awaabs Law: guidance for tenants in Scotland - Scottish Government

What will the Council Do

STEP 1

We Investigate

We will investigate your report within 10 working days.

The council will contact to you make arrangements for the investigation to be carried out. It is important that you provide access to your home to allow the council to do this.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of the damp or mould and any necessary action to take within a single visit. Damp and mould can be multifaceted, with many factors influencing their growth. Multiple visits or specialist intervention may be required which may not be possible within 10 working days.

STEP 2

We Write to You

Within 3 working days of the investigation, we will tell you:

  • What we found
  • What action is needed
  • Any repairs required
  • What happens next
  • Confirm if the case falls under Awaabs Law legislation

STEP 3

We Carry Out Repairs

Where significant damp or mould, which falls under Awaabs Law legislation, is found:

✅ Qualifying Repairs should start within 5 working days
✅ Repairs should normally be completed within 20 working days
✅ If emergency repairs are required, in situation of traumatic damp, then these will be carried out within 24 hours.

If the council is unable to meet these timescales, we will explain the reasons why and what the next steps are.

Maintaining a Healthy Home

A warm, dry, and well-ventilated home is important for your health and wellbeing. Damp and mould can affect the condition of your home and may contribute to health problems, particularly for young children, older people, and those with respiratory conditions.

Preventing damp and mould is a shared responsibility. Tenants can help by managing moisture, ventilating their homes, and reporting concerns as soon as they notice them

By taking simple steps every day, you can help keep your home healthy, comfortable, and free from damp and mould

What You Can Do

Ventilate your home

  • Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.
  • Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms whenever cooking or bathing.
  • Keep trickle vents in windows open where fitted.
  • Leave a gap between furniture and external walls to improve air movement.

Reduce moisture

  • Put lids on pans when cooking.
  • Dry clothes outdoors where possible. If drying indoors, use a well-ventilated room and keep the door closed.
  • Wipe condensation from windows and windowsills.
  •  Avoid using portable gas heaters, which can produce large amounts of moisture.

Keep your home warm

  • Maintain a consistent level of heating where possible.
  • Heating your home evenly can help prevent cold surfaces where condensation forms.
  • Avoid letting rooms become very cold, especially during winter months.

Clean mould safely

  • Small areas of mould can be wiped away using a suitable mould-removal product.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear protective gloves.
  • Do not paint or wallpaper over mould without treating the underlying problem first.

Extra support

You should contact the council in the first instance if you have any concerns. There are wider webpages that you might also find helpful: