Help, I’ve got condensation!

It is that time of year when condensation starts to be a problem and we get many enquiries, often in the expectation that a repair will solve the problem

In fact, the landlord has a duty to keep in repair the property (under Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985) but many tenants are surprised to find that this does not include condensation, which is considered to be a “lifestyle issue”.

A landlord should stop water leaking into the property, but normal day to day activities of people who live in the property (such as cooking, drying clothes or even breathing) introduce water droplets, which if not allowed to escape can form condensation, particularly in cold rooms

Our advice is always to ventilate a room first every day, but here is some information from the National Association of Residential Landlords which we hope will help.

What is condensation?

Condensation is the appearance of water on cold surfaces. It occurs where moist air comes into contact with air, or a surface, which is at a lower temperature. Water produced from condensation is generally noticeable where it forms on non-absorbent surfaces (i.e. windows or tiles) but it can form on any surface and it may not be noticed until mould growth or rotting of material occurs. Why does it matter? Condensation can make the property less pleasant to live in and cause damage to a property. To avoid unnecessary costs, it is important that you take steps to limit condensation build-up.

How can you reduce condensation?

Produce Less Moisture Some normal daily activities produce a lot of moist air very quickly. To minimise the amount of moist air, which leads to the formation of condensation, you need to:

• Cover pans when cooking and don’t leave kettles boiling longer than necessary.

• Avoid using paraffin and portable bottle gas heaters.

• Dry washing outdoors. If it’s raining, use a clothes airer in the bathroom with the door closed and the window or fan open.

• Do not dry washing directly on room radiators as this produces more water vapour and cools the room at the same time. Ask yourself “Where will all the water vapour from the drying clothes go?”

• Run the cold water first when filling a bath as it prevents steam production. Ventilate to Remove Moisture to the Outside Your home can be ventilated without creating draughts by:

• Keeping a small window open a little, or opening a window ventilator when the room is in use.

• Opening the kitchen or bathroom windows to let steam and moisture out.

• Use an extractor fan, they only use 1/5th the power of a 100watt bulb.

• Ventilate your bedroom by leaving a window slightly open at night.

• Closing the kitchen and bathroom doors when the rooms are in use to stop the warm moist air producing condensation in other cooler rooms. • Don’t clutter wardrobes and cupboards; it could stop the air circulating.

• Don’t block ventilators, air bricks and chimneys.

• Dry your windows & windowsills every morning

• Don’t push beds and sofas against outside walls which are always colder and attract condensation. Make sure there is a 9 inch (225cm) gap. Bedding can get damp if air cannot circulate around it.

Heat your Home Keep the heat on low all day in very cold weather, condensation is less likely to form in warm houses.

We hope that helps, remember if you do not address the problem and leave damage to the property (such as mould spots) you could be charged against your deposit for the cost of cleaning and repairs, so it really does pay to keep heating and ventilating.

If you have a genuine problem with the fabric of the building, such as leaky roof or water getting in then please report it via our website report a repair option, which also contains lots of advice

https://flats-in-southsea.fixflo.com/Auth/HomeIssueCreate

Alwin & Team Flats In Southsea