Damp

Rising damp and penetrating damp are caused by the breakdown of elements such as gutters, seals around windows or doors, or the failure of a damp proof course.

If you live in a Housing Executive property and have this type of damp in your home it will need to be repaired by our contractors.

You can report this to us by requesting a repair through My Housing Executive (our online tenant portal), by phoning 03448 920 901 or by texting ‘REPAIR’ and your address to 66644.

If you live in a private rented or owned property, you can contact the NI Energy Advice Service by phoning 0800 111 4455 or by emailing NIEnergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk.

Condensation is caused by moist air within the home condensing on cold surfaces such as walls, tiles and windows and occurs mainly in rooms where a lot of air moisture is generated, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Condensation is the most common form of dampness in the home and, if left untreated for too long, can result in mould growth, which has potentially harmful implications for your health.

There are a few simple steps you can follow which will help prevent condensation occurring:

• Make sure your home is well ventilated so that air can circulate. This means keeping the trickle vents in your windows open and opening windows in your home throughout the day.
• Wipe up any condensation on and around windows.
• If possible dry clothes outside.
• If you are drying clothes inside, keep the door to the room closed but make sure you use the extractor fan in a kitchen or bathroom or leave a small window ajar.
• If you have a non-condensing washer/dryer or tumble-dryer, make sure it is properly vented to the outside. 
• When you are cooking keep the kitchen door shut as much as possible and cover boiling pots. Use the extractor fan if you have one and/or leave the window open and continue to do so until the steam has cleared.
• Leave a small gap between your furniture and walls to allow the air to circulate freely.
• When having a bath or shower, keep the door to the room closed, use the extractor fan if you have one and/or leave the window open until the steam has cleared.
• When the weather is cold, try to maintain a constant temperature in your home.
• Setting the heating in all rooms at a constant lower temperature can be effective at preventing condensation, and it also costs less on energy bills.

If you follow the advice provided and problems with damp and mould persist you should contact us immediately to get these resolved.

If you are a Housing Executive tenant you can request a repair through My Housing Executive (our online tenant portal), by phoning 03448 920 901 or by texting ‘REPAIR’ and your address to 66644.

If you live in a private rented or owned property, you can contact the NI Energy Advice Service by phoning 0800 111 4455 or by emailing NIEnergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk

If you are a Housing Executive tenant and believe you have a leaking or burst pipe you should report it to us straight away so that we can determine the cause, and arrange for any remedial repairs to be undertaken.

You can request a repair through My Housing Executive (our online tenant portal), by phoning 03448 920 901 or by texting ‘REPAIR’ and your address to 66644.

You can find more information about leaks and looking after pipes in your home here