The battle against damp & condensation: A Tenant’s Guide

February in the UK is often the peak of condensation season. With the outside air biting cold and the heating cranked up inside, our homes become the perfect breeding ground for excess moisture.

If you’ve noticed water droplets on your windows in the morning or black spots appearing in the corners of your bathroom, you aren’t alone. The good news? Most winter damp is caused by condensation, which is something we can tackle together with a few simple habit shifts.

What is condensation?

In short, condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface (like a window or an external wall) and turns back into liquid. If that liquid isn’t cleared, it soaks into wallpaper, paint, or sealant, which then leads to black mould.

Top tips to keep your home dry

Mind the wet rooms: When cooking, keep lids on pans and use the extractor fan or open a window. When showering, keep the bathroom door shut and leave the fan running for 10 - 15 minutes after you’re finished, if you have one. If you don't have a fan, leave a window open.
The golden rule of ventilation: It sounds counterintuitive when it’s cold, but opening your windows for just 10 minutes a day creates a cross-breeze that flushes out moist air.
Dry clothes wisely: If you have to dry clothes indoors, try to do it in a room with a closed door and an open window (or use a dehumidifier). Avoid hanging wet clothes directly on radiators, as this sends moisture straight into the walls.
Give your furniture breathing room: Avoid pushing wardrobes or sofas tight against external walls. Leaving a small gap allows air to circulate and prevents "trapped" damp.
Wipe down windows: If you see morning dew on your windows, wipe it away with a cloth or a squeegee. It takes 30 seconds but prevents that water from soaking into the frames.

Maintaining a consistent, low background heat is much more effective at preventing damp than bursts of high heat. Try to keep your thermostat at a steady temperature (around 18°C) throughout the day to ensure walls stay warm.

A note on mould: If you do spot small patches of black mould, it’s best to catch it early. Use a dedicated fungicidal spray (available at most supermarkets) to wipe it away safely.

Posted By

Sophie Ombler