Many homes suffer from condensation which, if left untreated, can cause serious property issues and also become a health hazard. Landlords need to take appropriate measures to ensure that any property that they let out is safe for human habitation, which includes ensuring that it is not damp. However, the tenant of a property should also take appropriate steps to ensure that they do not create an environment that is conducive to condensation and damp.
The simple steps that every tenant should take are as follows;
- If there are extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, make ensure that these are running at appropriate times that moisture is created – for example cooking and showering.
- Cover pans when cooking and don’t leave kettles boiling for longer than is necessary.
- If you have outdoor space for drying clothes then, weather permitting, use this. If you do need to dry clothes indoors then avoid placing damp clothes on warm radiators and ensure that a window is open in the room used for drying/airing the clothes.
- If there are no extractor fans, then open windows after undertaking any activity that creates an amount of moisture or steam.
- Where there is evidence of condensation, then use a towel or cloth to wipe down walls, windows and any standing water as soon as possible.
- If not too cold, and not a security risk, consider keeping a small window open at all times. If your windows have trickle vents, ensure that these remain open.
- Avoid extreme variations in temperature inside the home. Consider maintaining the heating on a lower temperature for longer periods.
- Keep doors to kitchens and bathrooms closed when in use to stop warm moist air escaping to and creating condensation in colder rooms.
- Don’t fill wardrobes and cupboards until they are bursting at the seams. Allow enough space for air to circulate.
- Do not push furniture tightly up against walls, especially cold exterior walls. Leave enough space for air to circulate.
- Do not block any air bricks and ventilation systems within the property.
If after undertaking the above actions, there is still considerable condensation in your home, then report it to your landlord as soon as possible.
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