Have landlords tried dealing with mould the German way?
9:17 AM, 26th March 2025, 1 year ago
25
Although I’ve been a landlord for over twenty years, I only recently came across luften, the German way of dealing with mould.
Briefly, the householder opens all the doors and windows in the morning. They are left open for five minutes in the winter, ten minutes in spring and autumn, and fifteen minutes in summer. This ensures a complete change of air in a property, replacing all the warm moist air with clean fresh air.
I read about this in an article by Kirsty Allsopp, and she has a video about it on YouTube.
In Germany, tenants can be required to do this in tenancy agreements, and any mould formed is attributed to their failure to comply with the tenancy agreement. Obviously, this description of the procedure is short and simple, and many questions are raised, but I advise landlords to find out more about this.
Has anyone else come across luften before?
Thanks,
Tom
Tags:
German ventilation method, landlord tips, lüften, mould, mould prevention, prevent mould, Tenant Responsibilities
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9:52 AM, 27th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 27/03/2025 – 08:55
Hermetically sealed homes are what Milliband believes will be good for the UK. I guess he’s never considered the health impact of black mould, but landlords will be fined when tenants create it and then complain.
Member Since February 2023 - Comments: 85
2:30 PM, 27th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alan at 26/03/2025 – 13:45
Tenants are selfish for not even trying this airing process. They’d rather live with mould and then blame the landlord. The government approve this because they’re on a witch hunt in this country.
Member Since February 2023 - Comments: 85
2:31 PM, 27th March 2025, About 1 year ago
In my own home, during the night, I always have the bedroom window open whether it’s snowing, below freezing or whatever the weather.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 305
2:45 PM, 28th March 2025, About 1 year ago
I’d be interested to know how they enforce that in Germany.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 50
7:58 AM, 29th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 26/03/2025 – 14:56
Heated Positive pressure unit (we use Nuaire systems ) Running costs between 5&10p a day and will be working In high humidity times only depending on your settings so no need for high bills and putting rents up tenant saves on cleaning products and less hassle about mould issues
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 50
8:01 AM, 29th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Sheridan Vickers at 27/03/2025 – 14:31
Agreed we do the same either with velux windows with vent open bathroom window slightly open or the trickle vents open
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 761
8:45 AM, 29th March 2025, About 1 year ago
It would help if we had the same energy costs as Germany. Due to the Eco nuts we have the highest prices in Europe.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1630 - Articles: 3
10:52 AM, 29th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 29/03/2025 – 08:45
Germany has no nuclear and scrapped its coal, but was reliant on Russia. Germany has now re-opened its ‘dirty’ coal mines, yet I don’t see them being vilified on the world stage.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 13
1:57 PM, 29th March 2025, About 1 year ago
I have properties and all utility bills are included. I tell tenants about ventilation and how to put UPVC windows locked in the ‘vent’ position. Supply a tumble drier and clothes line outside. But still they keep windows closed and dry clothes over radiators and on airers indoors even on sunny days? Fitted PIV units in loft of all 3 properties, as the only way to guarantee my properties get some ventilation. Seems to have solved the condensation problems dramatically….
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3:19 PM, 29th March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Adrian Jones at 28/03/2025 – 14:45
They don’t have to enforce it. Germans have common sense. I also leave my bathroom window slightly cracked open. It is constantly removing warm moist air.