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As we move into the colder months, the drop in external temperatures significantly increases the likelihood of condensation forming within properties. Condensation typically develops when cold external air meets warm internal air and is most commonly seen on the internal surfaces of windows.
Managing Condensation
Each morning, you should open your blinds and check the internal window glass. Any moisture present should be wiped away. If blinds are left closed continuously, the glass area remains cold, increasing the risk of dampness and mould forming on the rear of the blinds. When condensation is not removed, water will run onto the windowsill and down the wall, damaging paintwork and potentially causing black mould to develop.
All homes contain moisture in the air, but indoor humidity is naturally higher in winter. Bedrooms accumulate additional moisture overnight due to breathing. If more than one person shares a room, moisture levels increase further.
To minimise condensation, each room should be aired for up to 15 minutes daily, in both winter and summer. Without adequate ventilation, moisture remains trapped and will settle on walls or ceilings, often resulting in mould. Where condensation occurs due to insufficient heating or ventilation, it is the tenant’s responsibility to manage and clean it.
Avoid placing furniture directly against external walls in older properties. Doing so can create cold spots, damage paintwork and encourage mould growth. Furniture and stored items may also suffer damage as a result.
Disposable moisture absorbers can be helpful and are readily available in multipacks online and in discount stores. Hanging dehumidifier bags are also useful inside built-in wardrobes. Under-stairs cupboards and older fitted wardrobes, which typically lack heat and ventilation, can particularly benefit from these products.
Heating
During winter, the entire property must be adequately heated. While radiators may be turned down in rooms used less frequently, they must not be turned off completely. Older properties tend to lose heat more quickly than modern builds, increasing heating needs.
Your tenancy agreement requires the property to be maintained at a minimum temperature of 13°C, in line with Building Control recommendations. This prevents structural issues and helps protect the property. For comfort, indoor temperatures should generally be kept at 18°C or above.
Heating settings should be adjusted in accordance with the weather forecast to ensure sufficient warmth during colder periods. When the property is unoccupied—particularly over the Christmas period—you must ensure adequate gas credit or heating oil is available and that the heating is left on the timer or set to maintain a minimum temperature.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are typically the wettest areas in a home due to steam from bathing and showering. In warmer months, open windows help warm air circulate and dry surfaces. If your bathroom extractor fan is connected to the light switch, it must run during use—even if the room is naturally bright. Please do not switch the extractor off at the isolator.
To test if the fan is functioning, place a square of toilet paper against the grill while it is running. If the paper does not hold, the fan may be faulty.
If your bathroom has no extractor, the window should be opened during and for at least 15 minutes after showering. In winter, cold external air will not dry the bathroom unless the radiator is on; therefore, the room must be heated as well as ventilated. Failure to do so will cause moisture to settle and damage the walls and ceiling.
Kitchens
The kitchen is the second most moisture-producing room in the property due to cooking. Use the extractor fan whenever boiling, steaming, or frying. If there is no extractor, open a window. Extractor fan filters should be cleaned regularly to ensure effective operation.
Drying Clothes Indoors
Drying wet clothes indoors is one of the main causes of condensation. Clothes must not be dried directly on radiators, as this prevents heat from circulating and may damage surrounding paintwork.
Clothes should be dried on an airer placed beside an open window or external door. A full load of washing can release several litres of water into the air. In an unventilated room, this moisture will settle on walls and woodwork, causing blackening and paint damage.
Clothes must not be dried over bannisters or in hallways. Hallways rarely have windows and cannot be ventilated, and this practice can damage gloss paintwork.
Condensation resulting from day-to-day living habits is the responsibility of the occupants. Any damage caused to paintwork, furniture or furnishings due to insufficient heating or ventilation may be considered tenant damage at the end of the tenancy.
Condensation is not the same as penetrating damp, which is caused by an issue with the building structure (e.g., guttering, roofing or rising damp). Structural damp is the landlord’s responsibility, but it should not be confused with condensation-related issues.
Houseplants That Assist With Moisture Control
Certain houseplants can help absorb moisture in the air and reduce condensation, while also enhancing the room’s appearance. Recommended species include:
We hope this information is helpful!
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