Condensation Tips for Tenants

Condensation Tips for Tenants

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Condensation is the most common form of damp in houses and is caused when water vapour in the air is deposited on colder surfaces.  It is normally at its worst during the colder winter months when windows are closed and the temperature gradient between indoor air and exterior walls and windows is greater.

If you have a problem with condensation it can quickly develop into mould and damp patches which are a potential health risk – particularly for people with asthma or allergies. 

As a tenant, your landlord will be responsible for any maintenance on the property, but you will need to do everything you can to maintain the condition of the property.  In practice, this means that you will be responsible for minimising the risk of condensation damp, and they will only be able to take remedial action to resolve the issue if they are made aware of it.  With this in mind, you should take steps to prevent condensation where possible and also be aware of the signs of damp so that you can report it in good time.

10 Ways to Prevent Condensation Problems

You can minimise long term problems caused by condensation by taking action to reduce its presence in your home: 

1. Close bathroom and kitchen doors when using the shower or cooking to prevent moisture escaping into the rest of the house.
2. Turn on your extractor fan before you start cooking or bathing and leave it to run for at least 20 minutes afterwards.
3. Always use a lid on your pan when cooking as this will reduce the amount of steam released and also cook your food more quickly.
4. Keep furniture at least 50mm away from external walls to allow air to circulate more freely.
5. Keep windows open during warmer weather.
6. Wipe down windows and windowsills in the morning to prevent water from sitting for too long.
7. Use bathroom mats to absorb water.
8. Avoid filling cupboards to allow better air circulation.
9. Leave internal doors open – unless you are cooking or bathing.
10. Be aware of any developing damp problems that condensation may cause including patches of mould around windows or ceilings.

Act

If you have problems with Condensation, it is essential that you report it to your landlord or letting agent as quickly as possible to reduce the risk to the building and to prevent long term damage to your health.  They should arrange a survey to identify the cause of the problem and take appropriate steps to resolve it.