7 Ways to Prevent Condensation, Damp and Mould in Rented Properties

7 Ways to Prevent Condensation, Damp and Mould in Rented Properties

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Mould prevention is easier than cure in rental properties; limiting the quantity of mould and mildew that may grow makes clean-up easier and less expensive.

If you manage social housing or rent out properties, assisting your renters in avoiding condensation issues is critical, since condensation may lead to dampness, which is costly to fix, and mould, which is harmful to health.

The most significant component in decreasing the presence of condensation is effective ventilation; enabling air to flow freely through a property minimises the possibility of condensation to develop, lowering the danger of damp and mould in the long run.

Useful tips for landlords to help tenants prevent damp

1. Keep moisture to a minimum.

Residents should be encouraged to limit the quantity of moisture they produce in their homes.

Give tips on how to cook with the kitchen door closed and how to use pan covers. Preventing steam from escaping from the kitchen means it can't settle elsewhere in the house, and it also cuts down on the amount of energy consumed in the kitchen, which may help you save money.

Avoid drying clothing inside, especially on radiators in bedrooms, where they can release a lot of moisture, which can lead to mould growth behind closets and beneath beds, where the air can become stale.

2. Get rid of any extra moisture

The first step is to reduce the quantity of water vapour created, but it's also necessary to consider how to eliminate extra moisture after it's been discharged.

Encourage residents to wipe down wet surfaces including bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, and bedroom windows to prevent water from soaking in.  This simple measure can go a long way toward lowering the quantity of moisture in the air.

Good airflow is essential.  Keeping windows open allows fresh air to flow throughout the house, reducing the likelihood of condensation accumulating.  Enable a five-centimetre space between furniture, such as beds or wardrobes, and the wall to allow air to move around.

3. Create adequate ventilation.

Having fresh air circulated throughout your home is a crucial step in preventing mould growth.  The Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems from EnviroVent are a long-term solution for this.  They are installed in a loft or attic area, and the fresh air in the loft is sucked into the PIV unit, which filters it and sends it down through an inconspicuous diffuser in the living space; this dilutes the bad air with clean air, and the air in the home begins to grow fresher within hours!

4. Keep the property from becoming too chilly.

In cooler conditions, condensation is more likely since there are more cold surfaces for condensation to develop on and the air's capacity to carry moisture is reduced.  Advise households to use their heaters efficiently to keep the cold out and maintain a comfortable temperature that will keep moisture in the air and away from walls and windows.

5. Make the ventilation system better

If you only have a limited amount of time to manage a home, enhancing the ventilation might be a huge help.  Rather than having to keep track of your tenants, effective ventilation may help to reduce condensation and, as a result, prevent damp and mould from forming.

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems, for example, are strategically positioned in the loft or a cupboard in apartments and consume relatively little energy while improving air movement throughout the property.  Some systems are automated and may be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to collect information on moisture levels and act as needed.

Contact one of our local professionals for additional information about modern ventilation systems. They will be able to advise you on what is best for your requirements.

6. Treat any mould quickly

Mould will be detected and easier to treat if you check for it on a regular basis.  Request that your tenants let you know immediately if they find mould in the house so that you can organise cleaning and treatment.  Let them know that if it is not addressed as fast as possible, the mould may be harmful to their health, and if it is allowed to grow into bigger colonies, it will be much more difficult to eliminate.

If mould has grown on the surface of the wall or ceiling, begin by eradicating the mould before treating the area with fungicidal chemicals or an anti-mould or mildew spray.  Ensure that any neighbouring textiles are also treated to prevent mould spores from growing, as this will prevent new colonies from spreading throughout the property.

7. Make an investment in a permanent mould solution.

Mould and moisture problems may be difficult and expensive to address if they are allowed to grow.  Advise your tenants to do what they can to reduce the causes of condensation, but it is also important to take actions that will reduce the risk to your property

The best method to prevent moisture and mould in the long run is to invest in a permanent ventilation system like PIV and install contemporary, low-maintenance extractor fans in wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.

Find out more

Do not risk your investment property being damaged by damp and avoid facing large repair bills by taking steps today to prevent condensation.  Our local ventilation specialists can provide a free home survey that will identify potential causes of damp and provide you with advice to deal with them quickly.  We can help you protect your properties and the health of your tenants.