And why you should report it

No one wants to deal with mould, but it’s something that can easily creep into student accommodation if the conditions are right (or wrong, in this case). Mould can affect your health, your belongings, and even your deposit if left untreated.

But here’s the good news: it’s not your fault, and you won’t get in trouble for reporting it. In fact, reporting mould early is the best thing you can do to get it sorted quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

How do I recognise mould?

Mould is typically black, white or green complimented with a musty perfume. If you see any suspicious patches on your walls or ceilings, take a closer look to see if mould is growing in your room. It will usually look something like this:

Why does mould happen?

Mould loves damp, humid environments, and student rooms can sometimes provide the perfect conditions. Especially in winter when the heating is on, windows are shut, and drying clothes indoors becomes the norm.

Common causes include:

• Condensation – Warm air meets a cold surface (like your windows or walls), leading to moisture build-up.
• Poor ventilation – If air can’t circulate properly, dampness lingers and mould takes hold.
• Drying clothes indoors – Without enough airflow, all that extra moisture from damp clothes sticks around.

How do I prevent mould?

While some causes of mould (like hidden leaks) are out of your hands, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk:

🌬️ Let fresh air in – Open your windows for at least 10-15 minutes a day (yes, even when it’s cold!) to help airflow.

🚪 Don’t block vents or air bricks – These help rooms stay ventilated.

🚿 Use extractor fans – If your bathroom has one, use it while showering and leave it on for a bit afterwards and always cook with an extractor fan on.

🧼 Wipe down condensation – If your windows are fogging up in the morning, wipe them with a cloth to stop the moisture from soaking in.

👕 Dry clothes near an open window – Or, if your accommodation has a drying room or laundry, use that instead.

🛁 Keep your room warm – Cold rooms encourage condensation, so keeping your heating at a steady level can help.

If you spot mould, don’t wait! It won’t go away on its own. The general rule is that you should take care of your surroundings and attempt to clean mould in areas you can realistically reach.

Student responsibilities & cleaning

• Accessible areas: Students are responsible for cleaning mould near windows and anywhere they can safely access.
• How to clean: Use a mould cleaner, let it sit for at least an hour, and then wipe it off. Make sure to aerate the room regularly while doing this.
• Bathrooms & showers: You are encouraged to attempt to clean bathroom mastic, grouting, and shower curtains (mould here is usually wipeable). However, it is not a "solid expectation" for you to clean what you cannot; if you are unsuccessful, our cleaning team will step in, and maintenance will re-mastic if necessary.

Professional cleaning & reporting

For ceilings or other inaccessible areas, the professional cleaning team will handle the work.

• If you recently moved in: If you report a mould issue within the 2-week grace period of moving in, the cleaning will be done for you free of charge.
• Reporting: If you find mould you cannot reach, or if you have tried cleaning it yourself without success, contact Residences Reception. If you live in Aspire Point, Blithehale Court, or Sherren House, contact your building’s specific reception.

Charges

• Neglect: While cleaning for inaccessible areas is generally free, if mould is found to have been left unreported and allowed to "fester" over a long period, the cleaning will be chargeable.
• Optional service: If you do not want to clean the mould yourself and would prefer to pay for the professional team to handle it, this can also be arranged.

Take care of your space, attempt to clean what you can reach, and report issues immediately to avoid unnecessary charges and keep your room healthy!