Damp can be a very frustrating and annoying problem, often because it appears when you least expect it and can take an age to get rid of if you don’t take the right action in the first place.
Landlords and tenants dealing with damp can cause friction between the two, however, often the solutions can be simple if both parties work together.
There are many landlords who are affected by tenants drying clothes without adequate ventilation, for example, causing serious damage to properties and ending up costing the landlord dearly.
So, what can both tenant and landlord do to mitigate dampness within the property?
Tenants – Landlords & Tenants dealing with Damp
Tenants have an obligation to ensure that they are not contributing to damp & mould issues within the landlord’s property by ensuring adequate ventilation is provided when cooking, drying clothes or bathing and showering for example. Over the years our surveyors have identified tenants blocking up ventilation units in an effort to retain heat in the building.
When the ventilation for the property is blocked, moisture builds up within the property and leads to dampness, condensation and mould issues. Damp and condensation issues like this are all too common in rental properties and can often cause serious problems for the landlord.
It is advisable to ensure windows or extraction fans are open and working, especially when drying clothes inside.
Landlords – Landlords & Tenants dealing with Damp
One of the ways you can combat damp & mould in your property is to insist that tenants do not dry their clothes in confined spaces where there is a lack of ventilation. Preventing the drying of clothes in the property altogether would be advisable but not always practical. To combat the build up of condensation in the property, ensure that adequate ventilation is installed and maintained.
Avoid using damp proofing services, as this can often lead to more problems. DPC (Damp Proof Course) injection can prevent the building from breathing and therefore prevent the condensation from escaping.
It is always advisable to ensure that the exterior of the property is well maintained to prevent damp and moisture ingress. By adhering to a maintenance plan, the exterior of the property is kept in good order and can prevent the build up of moisture.