Are you a landlord? What you need to know about condensation.
As the weather and the air turn colder and the central heating is turned up, condensation can become a problem for those involved in property maintenance.
Condensation occurs where warm moist air is generated in kitchens and bathrooms for example. When this warm air touches cold surfaces, it cannot hold onto all the extra moisture that is produced so it turns into small droplets of water known as condensation. Large amounts of condensation left untreated can lead to mould growth on walls, furniture, windows, etc.
Condensation, like other property maintenance services, needs to be treated in time to avoid it turning into mould or damp. These aren’t things that landlords and agents should ignore as they may seriously harm the properties, and its tenants.
Mould spores need a moist environment in which to germinate. Many mould problems are caused by poor building and property maintenance, bad property ventilation, water leaks through windows or roofs, condensation from showers and cooking and the hot air produced by the heating through the home to name but a few.
Aside from damage to the property, mould spores also pose a health risk. Mould produces allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause harm to humans. Related health problems include infections, asthma, allergies and sinusitis. Landlords and agents that ignore tenants complaints about damp and mould, could face personal injury claims and fines of up to £5,000.
At Mistoria Maintenance, we urge you to follow the right steps to avoid condensation, mould and damp in your property. Here we have highlighted some key points:
- Don’t ignore it – this is the first and most important point. If a tenant complains about condensation or mould, visit the property and fix the problem.
- Check for leaks that may be causing damp, inside and outside the property. Also check gutters which could be blocked by leaves at this time of year.
- Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are well ventilated by installing extractor fans and ensuring that windows that can be easily opened.
- Advise tenants to try to ventilate both kitchens and bathrooms for at least twenty minutes after use.
- Ensure extractor fans are working efficiently. Noisy extractors will encourage tenants leave them turned off.
- If your property is prone to condensation, provide tenants a de-humidifier unit. These come in all shapes and sizes and will help to keep the condensation under control.
Inform your tenants about how to prevent condensation and how to distinguish it from damp. Our sister company, Mistoria Estate Agents, have handed a condensation document to all its tenants including key points to avoid this problem. We invite you to do the same. Share this link with your tenants and ensure they are doing their part to prevent condensation. It will protect you from bigger problems and costs in the future.
If you can’t fix a mould problem, don’t leave it to get worse – call in the property maintenance experts at Mistoria. We deal with mould, damp and condensation issues on a daily basis and are ready to help you. Call us on 0800 500 3015 now to enquire about our services.
