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Dampness in buildings affects the health of occupants, structural stability and energy efficiency of buildings. Solutions to managing dampness focus on promoting the use of damp-proof construction materials, enhancing methods to avoid the introduction of moisture during construction and creating the awareness on the health effect of dampness. These solutions are incomplete without the identification of behaviours that occupants require to manage dampness. Given that dampness is characterised by the availability of a source, a route for the moisture to travel and driving force for moisture movement, the occupants can be said to play a significant role in contributing to dampness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

As a result, this study seeks to examine the behaviours of occupants manifested to manage dampness in residential buildings. To achieve the aim, a qualitative research method was employed, under which interviews were carried out. Occupants in households in the northern and southern parts of England were interviewed to identify the actions, attitudes and beliefs in managing dampness.

The findings revealed actions such as aeration and the use of anti-damp sprays. From the findings, dampness instilled attitudes such as anger, moodiness and unhappiness. In addition, dampness instilled cleaning habits in occupants due to the lack of comfort moulds create and the awareness of its health impact.

This research also contributes to existing debates on dampness reduction specifically in residential buildings.

The identification of these behaviours creates the awareness for occupants on their roles in managing dampness and how dampness affects their behaviours in addition to the health impact.

In the last 25 years, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of new and unconventional methods for the remedial treatment of building defects. Some of the materials and techniques used have been employed long enough for an assessment to be made of their efficacy based on field experience. Some have only been evaluated by accelerated laboratory methods and do not yet have the full support of service records. Other products are declining in importance as a result of a ‘lack of approval’ by the independent bodies that pronounce on these matters.

Repair and maintenance play a key role in housing management and tenant satisfaction. In the UK, local authority housing departments have traditionally had these services carried out in‐house by local authority building services departments. For more than a decade, such departments have been under pressure to improve their efficiency and effectiveness from public policy initiatives such as compulsory competitive tendering and, more recently, best value. Within some authorities the transfer of housing stock from local authority control to housing associations with non‐profit‐making status is also adding to pressure for quality improvement by raising tenant expectations. Presents a case study of a total quality management initiative implemented within a local authority in Scotland facing precisely these pressures. The success of the quality improvement programme is examined, comparing the perceptions of the tenants and employees with key performance indicators. The pressures to succeed are high since, following an initial five‐year period of grace, the contract for the delivery of building services will only be renewed if the newly‐appointed housing association is satisfied with the efficiency and effectiveness of services delivered. The findings highlight the importance of managing the quality chain across organisational boundaries.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

An investigation of the effects of site and environmental conditions on a historic building and its contents has been undertaken at Withcote Chapel, Leicestershire, with the intention of establishing a relationship between dampness and levels of material deterioration. High and fluctuating levels of relative humidity within the building have been previously corrected using dehumidification, its demise leading to concerns for the long‐term welfare of important fixtures and fittings. Appropriate remedial action, including the proposed application of conservation heating, is put forward for discussion.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.