Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Condensation Problem

There are many problems facing landlords in the autumn and winter; condensation is one of the biggest. It’s unavoidable in the British climate. In older properties, condensation occurs due to poor heat retention and poorer quality insulation. In modern properties where it is less common, it’s caused by insulation being too efficient.

Either way, it is not a problem you should ignore.

What Should You Do When A Tenant Complains About Condensation?

First, it’s important to remember the difference between mould which is an environmental issue and a health problem, and condensation which is less concerning but no less annoying. Here, we focus solely on condensation. When your student tenants reach out to you over the issue, there are steps you should take to alleviate their concerns. Visit as soon as you can or at the very least, ask them to send photos of the condensation.

Check the Ventilation

A common mistake student tenants make is that as the weather gets colder, they block the ventilation to the outside, especially in older buildings. This can be a vent over the oven, closing bedroom vents, or putting something in front of the fireplace. In newer buildings, they may be leaving the windows closed rather than locked open for ventilation.

Check Room Temperatures

Students are often tempted to turn the thermostat down as low as possible to save money. They may not be aware that this makes the problem worse. When rooms (for example the bedrooms) face away from direct sunlight and are too cold, condensation forms. Heating is required in these rooms to ensure that condensation does not accumulate.

Advice For Your Student Tenants

If condensation is an ongoing issue in your property with each successive student letting, you should put details on this in your terms and conditions:

Constant running of the dehumidifier or ensuring that heaters are run at a constant temperature
You should also include strict instructions that the oven fan and other vents should be used as much as possible when cooking. Also, lids should be left on pans during cooking.
Reiterate the unique problems of the higher EPC rating and moisture retention in newer buildings. Your students may be feeling in their duty to property ventilate by leaving windows slightly ajar and locked open throughout the year. If the building is to avoid condensation, that is precisely what they need to do
The bathroom door should always be kept closed when showering and washing. The window should be opened during and for a period afterward if no fan is present