Published Date: Sep 23rd, 2025
As the weather changes, Fife Council has launched a new ‘Let Your Home Breathe’ campaign, encouraging residents to take simple, practical steps to prevent condensation damp and mould.
Damp and mould are well-known issues in UK housing, linked to health problems such as respiratory conditions, allergies and skin irritation, as well as damage to clothes, bedding, and furnishings. While landlords have a duty to address serious cases, householders can make a big difference by spotting and tackling problems early.
Essential tips to keep homes dry and mould-free:
- Keep the door closed and a window open when cooking or bathing
- Keep lids on saucepans when cooking
- Dry clothes outside where possible
- Make sure tumble dryers are well-ventilated
- Open windows for 10–20 minutes a day
- Keep trickle vents open
- Leave a gap between furniture and outside walls
John Mills, Head of Housing Services, Fife Council said: “Fifers are being urged to take simple steps to help stop damp and mould in its tracks as part of Fife Council’s new ‘Let Your Home Breathe’ campaign. We want to work with residents and landlords to reduce health risks, tackle fuel poverty and prevent costly repeat visits for damp repairs.
“Condensation and mould can damage health, ruin clothes and furnishings, and cost more to fix if left untreated. Prevention is simple – and acting early can save hassle and money. Condensation is common, which is why we’re sharing some essential tips. Small changes – like ventilating for a few minutes each day – can protect your health and your home. If you spot mould, don’t wait. Wipe it down and move furniture away from walls.
“If anyone is having issues, we encourage people to act early, and help is available. Anyone worried about heating or ventilating their home can get help from local energy advice service Cosy Kingdom Cosy Kingdom – Stay warm, save energy.”
John Mills, Head of Housing Services, Fife Council said: “Good homes are critical for healthy lives. Well maintained, damp and mould-free homes mean less illness, less strain on NHS Services and less poverty.
“With the increased energy costs, both tenants and home-owners can struggle to keep themselves and their homes warm during the winter and can be reluctant to adequately heat and ventilate their properties for fear of losing the valuable heat they have generated. For more information on preventing damp and mould visit the council’s website Dampness and mould | Fife Council.”
Help for council house tenants
John Mills added: "Fife Council is committed to preventing and tackling dampness and condensation within our own properties, and help is available to our council tenants. We’re taking action to help people now - and for the future - and our work to combat condensation and damp is part of our drive to improve access to good quality homes.
“By improving and maintaining the properties we currently have, and working with our tenants, we can continue to give people access to quality, affordable homes. The council has a dedicated group of staff to investigate dampness, condensation and mould and provide a fast response.
"Council house residents can report any damp or mould issues early visiting Housing repairs | Fife Council or by calling 03451 55 00 11. Free humidity monitors are available.”
If you need help with damp and mould visit: Damp and mould - who can help | Fife Council
Energy advice is available from Cosy Kingdom for anyone concerned about heating and ventilation costs. Visit online Cosy Kingdom – Stay warm, save energy www.cosykingdom.org.uk or phone 01592 807930 between 10am – 3pm, Monday – Friday.
Home ventilation systems
In homes, there are a few different systems that help keep the air fresh and stop too much moisture building up:
- Extractor fans – These are usually in kitchens and bathrooms. They quickly pull out steam and smells (like when you’re cooking or showering) and push them outside.
- PIV units (Positive Input Ventilation) – This is a small unit, often in the loft, that gently pushes fresh filtered air into your home. That air helps move old, damp air out through vents and gaps, lowering humidity levels.
- MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) – This is a more advanced system that constantly brings in fresh air and takes out stale air. It also recycles the heat from the outgoing air to warm the fresh air, so you don’t lose heat.
All of these systems are like your home’s breathing system. They work quietly in the background to keep the air fresh and stop too much moisture from building up — which helps prevent condensation, damp, and mould. It's important that these are allowed to work within homes to help keep the air healthy. Residents should not switch them off, block them, or try to adjust them. If they’re altered, this can lead to damp, mould, and unhealthy air
