Can ventilation systems tackle damp in homes?

Yes, ventilation systems can help HIDE the underlying problem(s).

As well as ‘lifestyle’ causes, building can have a number of defects that CAUSE damp.

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 23/04/2024 – 10:10
You can cause black mould to form even in a well-insulated property just by drying your washing indoors without opening the window, or by not heating your bathrooms.

Rainwater ingress is a landlords problem
condensation is a tenants lifestyle issue

Reply to the comment left by david porter at 23/04/2024 – 11:15
Unfortunately Mr Gove said that black mould is always the landlords fault.

The ignorance around condensation is a problem. Explaining how condensation occurs and how to prevent it can often fall upon deaf ears. To live and operate a house in a manner so as not to produce avoidable condensation requires some effort. Often this is too much for obstinate tenants. In these situations I have found dehumidifiers are very worthwhile, particularly in older solid brick wall properties.

Assuming the house is in good repair and there are no obvious defects which are exacerbating the damp problem, the introduction of a dehumidifier demonstrates a willingness of the landlord to help solve the issue. These machines work particularly well, assuming they are used correctly. Good ones have an automatic function too.

Adequate heating is critical to avoiding black mould, as is movement of air. So the installation of a single piece of equipment alone will not solve the issue, but it might make a huge positive difference.

Modern (2007) two bed centrally heated flat EPC ” C”. Never any problems in 16 years. Two 20 year olds move in, knock out a kid, use the property as a giant tumble dryer
( heating at 30 degrees no ventilation)

Then they complain about mould. Property all checked by damp and condensation consultant. No issues with gutters, leaks, etc. Council visit for disrepair and agree it’s lifestyle. Dr issues a note that respiratory problems are caused by mould without even referring to agent.

Then it comes out. They want a council house!

Reply to the comment left by Fed Up Landlord at 23/04/2024 – 11:55
Like most landlords i’m sure we can all relate to your situation. There is general ingnorance as to how condensation occurs and tenants are quick to blame landlords whilst they dry clothes in a small flat without ever opening windows. I wonder where all that water from the wet clothes went?

Reply to the comment left by Dave the Rave at 23/04/2024 – 11:49
The mind set of some tenants would be that they would need a rent reduction if the landlord supplies a dehumidifier, as after all why should they pay for the electric used by the Landlords dehumidifier?

Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 23/04/2024 – 12:58
I understand the point you are making. I have supplied three dehumidifiers over the years where tenant’s lifestyle has caused excessive condensation. When you explain that it takes the moisture from their wet clothes drying over the radiators and collects it in a handy container which only requires daily emptying, they kind of “get it”. Each of them was very grateful.

It would be a different situation if the tenants could point at a building defect. Then they would have a very good point to reject what could only be a sticking plaster.

I provide each of my tenants with a booklet explaining all about condensation. They need to understand that having the trickle vents open on their windows does not constitute airing a house. Education is the best defence.

Reply to the comment left by Fed Up Landlord at 23/04/2024 – 11:55
Install a dehumidifier and also swap out the dryer for a condensing model. Problem solved, no drama.