Condensation and mould could be a problem for landlords over winter
Posted by Jayne Codling
Landlords may want to take steps to prevent mould from developing as part of the property management services they offer clients.
According to landlord Kim Thorogood, who is also a specialist adviser at a ventilation company, the risk of mould forming in rented properties increases over the winter.
Writing in a blog post for the National Landlords Association, she explained that mould is usually caused by a build up of condensation.
Condensation is often occurs due to a lack of ventilation, which prevents moisture from escaping, and with tenants less likely to open windows during cold weather the problem often increases during the winter.
"The argument over whose responsibility it is to ventilate the property is a tricky one," said Ms Thorogood.
"Landlords often believe that the problem would just go away if tenants open their windows, but one of the reasons why one in five properties now suffer from condensation is because in our drive for energy efficiency, we have 'sealed up' our homes to avoid losing valuable heat."
She advised landlords to inspect their properties regularly for mould or high levels of condensation.
Signs to look out for include damp areas appearing on walls, wallpaper starting to peel and a constant musty damp smell in the property.
Landlords can ask tenants to contribute by advising them to try to keep the inside temperature reasonably constant for as much of the time as possible and not to disable any extraction units.
It might also be worth landlords investing in new ventilation systems, said Ms Thorogood.
"Installing extract fans in the bathrooms and a ventilation unit in the loft area will also solve most condensation problems. By gently introducing fresh, filtered air in to the home at a continuous low rate, the relative humidity levels are reduced," she commented.
Social media