By Ruth MacEachern
Product Manager
Upcoming changes to the law will mean that landlords have increased responsibility to resolve issues with damp and mould in rental properties quickly to protect the health and wellbeing of tenants. These changes, known as Awaab’s law will help improve housing stock and mean that tenants can enjoy heathier accommodation.
Once mould has become established in a property, cleaning it, and conducting repairs can be costly, but it is also possible to take steps that will prevent mould from developing in the first place.
Mould grows in damp patches on walls and ceilings. In many cases, the source of the moisture that creates these damp patches is condensation – where water vapour in the air forms droplets on a cold surface and soaks in. Residents of a house produce large amounts of water vapour during the day from different activities including bathing, washing, and cooking. At nighttime, when temperatures cool, substantial amounts of water vapour are breathed out and this can also contribute to the amount of condensation that will be found in the morning.
While it is the landlord’s responsibility to deal with mould and damp problems as soon as possible after they are notified about them, it is important for tenants to play a part in prevention, and they can take steps to reduce the amount of water vapour they produce.
Landlords should advise their tenants against behaviours that might contribute to condensation and ensure that suitable ventilation is present in rental properties to minimise the risk of high humidity.
Tenants should avoid drying clothes indoors or on radiators, should use extractor fans correctly when cooking or using the bathroom, and should open windows regularly to allow fresh air in. During cooler weather, tenants should ensure that they heat the property well to prevent cold spots developing where condensation may form and lead to damp and mould.
Landlords should ensure that the fabric of the building is secure to avoid any leaks around windows or ceilings that may allow additional water to get in. Extractor fans should be fitted in bathrooms and kitchens that are appropriate to the size of the room. Choosing modern fans that measure the amount of moisture in the air and adjust their power to remove it more quickly is advisable as these will automatically switch on as and when required.
Regular inspections of the property should be carried out to identify any signs of mould or damp before they become worse.
Preventing condensation in a property will stop mould returning. Good ventilation is the most effective way of controlling humidity levels and protecting the property and the health of the residents. If condensation has been a significant long-term problem throughout a property, whole house ventilation such as a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system should be considered. These circulate fresh filtered air from outside into the building to displace the stale moisture laden air and stop condensation from getting a hold in all rooms.
If you own one or more rental properties, you have responsibilities as a landlord to protect the health of your tenants against the dangers of mould caused by condensation. Speak to one of our local ventilation specialists today to get advice about the best way to prevent condensation in your rental property.
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