“Tenants and Condensation”

Rental Property Condensation

Firstly, we’re talking about condensation here, not rising damp.  Rental property condensation starts to raise its ugly head when temperatures start to drop.

Condensation is caused when warm air, which holds more water vapour, meets a cold surface, forming water droplets. This may attract fungal growths such as Mildew leading to “that damp smell”.

Tenants may not be as ‘house-aware’ as owner-occupiers (although this is changing).  As such, they might not spend as much time at home, meaning that less air circulates around the property.  Also they may not be quite so inclined to seek out the reason for any dampness and fix it.  After all, it’s not their property.

Older properties without cavity wall-insulation may have colder walls.  They are therefore more prone to dampness.  However, newer properties may be so well insulated that there is insufficient ventilation.  Condensation can therefore occur in either.

Property Tips

Landlords have a responsibility to provide habitable accommodation.  Here are our TOP TIPS to help prevent the problem of damp:

1. Heat the property evenly.  Ask your tenant to ensure that the heating remains on a warm constant, rather than hot and cold, especially in winter
2. Maintain heating in all rooms, even if unoccupied
3. Ask tenants to use lids on saucepans wherever possible if condensation is an issue
4. Ask tenants to open a window if they are drying clothes indoors
5. Ensure a condenser tumble-dryer is adequately vented outside
6. Use free-standing furniture rather than built-in cupboards unless they are well ventilated, ideally from the rear
7. Ensure there is adequate ventilation in areas of high moisture build-up and temperature differentials such as kitchen and bathroom
8. “Force” ventilation using electric fans if necessary. Use timers or link to light switches to ensure they get used
9. Install “trickle vents” in windows and make sure they remain open – even in winter
10. Wipe away any mould (don’t disturb it by brushing or vacuuming it away) and treat it with a fungicide or use fungicidal paint (you may have to call in professionals if the mould becomes really bad!)

As you might have guessed, as managing agents, we have a keen eye, and nose, for damp, and point out all the above especially at property visits.

Call Lettings specialists Callaways for advice on your rental property.  Telephone 01273 735237 or email enquiries@callaways.co.uk