Will home insurance cover damp and mould treatment?

Key takeaways

• Home insurance doesn’t usually cover damp or mould unless it is related to an insured event such as flooding or a burst pipe

• Excessive damp and mould in your home can lead to respiratory problems and may cause more serious issues for people with a weakened immune system

• Condensation is the most common cause of damp and mould in residential properties, and is the result of moisture in the air coming in contact with cold surfaces and turning into water

What’s the difference between rising damp and condensation?

Rising damp is moisture absorbed from the ground into a wall, while condensation is created by excess moisture in the air that forms on cold surfaces:

What is condensation?

Condensation is the result of a build up of moisture in your home. Condensation happens when moist air comes into contact with a cool surface and water droplets form.

Damp caused by condensation is the most common type of damp in the UK.

You’ll often spot signs of damp caused by condensation in areas that may be colder than the rest of the property, such as around windows, pipes, ceilings, or walls.

Signs of condensation can include:

• Moisture on cold surfaces, especially windows

• Higher levels of humidity

• Damp patches on walls or in wardrobes

• Peeling or flaking wallpaper or paint on external walls

• Musty smells

• Black mould or mould spores around windows, pipes, or doors

Condensation can sometimes indicate that there are issues with a property’s ventilation, insulation, or heating.

It’s possible that bad habits can cause condensation, such as drying laundry indoors or forgetting to turn on extractor fans or to open windows when cooking or showering.

What is penetrating damp?

Penetrating damp is the term given to rainwater that passes through the walls or roof of a building.

Water might enter a building via leaks, cracks in walls, faulty roofing, or broken gutters.

Signs of penetrating damp include:

• Wet patches on walls or ceilings

• Discolouration of walls

• Misshapen, blistering, or damaged plaster

• Rotting wood

• Mould growth or moss growth on exterior walls

Penetrating damp is one of the easier types of damp to avoid and treat if you can quickly find the source of the leaking water and fix it.

What is rising damp?

Rising damp is the result of moisture from the ground surrounding your property being absorbed by the brickwork and travelling upwards.

Signs of rising damp include:

• Peeling or flaking wallpaper or paint

• Signs of rot or cracks along skirting boards

• Damp staining along the bottom of walls

• White stains along walls made by salt present in the absorbed water

In older buildings, rising damp is often the result of improper damp proofing or damage to the protective layer between the property and the ground underneath, known as the damp proof course (or DPC).

Newer properties tend to have cavity walls which makes it harder for damp to rise.

Does my home insurance cover damp?

No, home insurance doesn’t normally cover damp as it is usually caused by disrepair rather than an insured event.

However, insurance providers take a different view if water damage is caused by a burst pipe or extreme weather event that causes damage to your home.

Why doesn’t my home insurance cover damp?

Insurance companies tend to think that:

• Damp issues, including rising damp and condensation, are a result of wear and tear or poor maintenance, which are usually exclusions on insurance policies. This means your home insurance won’t cover the cost of repairing any structural damage nor the cost of replacing any of your belongings that may have been damaged by damp or mould

• Your home is not in good condition if, for example, you have rising damp. When you apply for a home insurance policy, you agree to the assumption that your home is in good condition

• Damp is a maintenance issue as it is usually a treatable, gradual problem that becomes worse over time

What should I do if I see signs of damp?

If you notice damp in your home, particularly if you have an older property, you should investigate as soon as possible.

The earlier you catch the signs of damp, the sooner you can treat it and prevent more serious damage.

Depending on the type of damp affecting your property, there are different ways of treating it:

• For condensation: Make lifestyle changes such as closing the kitchen door when cooking, installing extractor fans, and ventilating your property

• For penetrating or rising damp: You may need to inspect the property for the source and contact a professional to make repairs to leaks or damp proof the property

If you are living in a rented or housing association property and spot signs of damp, it may be the responsibility of your landlord to treat it, particularly if it’s the result of a lack of proper maintenance. In this case, you can find next steps on addressing damp in a rented property on the Citizens Advice website.

Does my home insurance cover the cost of treating mould?

No, standard home insurance does not usually cover the cost of treating mould or a damp problem. However, it may cover mould caused by an insured event such as a flood or burst pipe.

Exactly what is covered will depend on your policy. Read your policy documents carefully and consult your insurance provider if you have any questions about your cover.

How can I prevent damp and mould?

To prevent damp and mould, focus on reducing moisture in your home through good ventilation, insulation, and by controlling humidity levels.

You can reduce damp issues by:

• Regularly opening windows

• Using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens

• Maintaining a consistent temperature

• Keeping lids on pots while cooking

• Not drying clothes inside

• Addressing any leaks promptly

• Using a dehumidifier

Renters should try not to over-crowd property owned by private landlords or social landlords as more people in a home means more moisture from breathing, showering, cooking, and laundry.

How can I remove mould from walls and ceilings?

You should only attempt a DIY approach to removing mould if it’s a small amount, otherwise you may need professional mould removal.

To remove mould yourself:

• Wear gloves and face mask

• Use a mould cleaning product or clean the affected area with a mild detergent and water, followed by a bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water)

• Open a window while using bleach

• Ensure the area is completely dry to prevent mould regrowth.

However, the most important thing is to address the reason why the mould has grown in the first place.

Will damp and mould affect my health?

Damp and mould in your home could mean you have health problems such as:

• Respiratory infections

• Allergic reactions

• Asthma attacks

• Skin irritation

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Skin rashes

• Mental health issues

Babies, children, older people, people with existing skin or respiratory problems or who have a weakened immune system are most at risk from damp and mould.

Did you know?

In England, 5% of homes have a problem with damp, according to the latest English Housing Survey.

Will my home emergency insurance help with damp?

Home emergency cover can provide assistance in certain situations that may lead to issues with damp.

For example, getting a broken boiler fixed quickly can stop your property getting too cold, while fixing a leaky pipe might prevent flooding.

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