Condensation 

Damp is most usually caused by condensation. Condensation results from a combination of insufficient heating and lack of ventilation. The way to avoid condensation is to keep the heating on during colder weather while at the same time allowing good ventilation by regularly opening windows.

Condensation is a particular problem in autumn/winter as tenants are often anxious to keep heating bills to a minimum and therefore do not keep the heating on long enough – at the same time windows are not opened to minimise loss of heat.

Condensation can cause great damage to a property and to personal belongings. Under the tenancy agreement (clause 4w), tenants are responsible for damage caused by condensation and accordingly we recommend you follow the measures below to reduce any costs arising:

  • Keep the property well heated. The property should be heated by longer periods of low central heating to prevent sudden drops and rises of temperature. In the cold weather, the heating should be kept on for at least 8 hours a day to minimise condensation
  • Ventilate the property by opening the windows regularly to ensure air circulation
  • Dry washing over a clothes airer rather than over the side of radiators
  • Move furniture/ beds/ belongings (where possible) away from the side of walls to allow air circulation
  • Place a moisture absorber (for example crystals are available at B&Q at a reasonable cost) on the sills of badly affected windows – this will significantly reduce the dampness in a room
  • Open the bathroom window and keep the door closed during and after showering to stop moisture spreading throughout the property
  • Ensure any fans in the property are working properly – the fans should come on automatically if there is any dampness. The fans are designed to work whenever dampness or humidity is present and the running cost of these fans is very low. If a fan is not working, please report it online via report a maintenance issue
  • Open the kitchen window while cooking
  • Tenants should remove any mould growth using a bleach solution or a proprietary cleaner (eg Dettol mould and mildew cleaner available from all large supermarkets). Mould is a growing fungus and therefore needs to be removed to prevent it spreading
  • Consider using a dehumidifier. We may be able to lend you a dehumidifier – please email our office if you would like to borrow one The running cost of a dehumidifier is very low and it is cost-effective as it will reduce the need for additional heating. You will need to empty the dehumidifier container every day for a few weeks until the humidity reaches an acceptable level