Is a misted window deemed an issue?

The misted unit means the unit has failed and it’s heat retaining ability has reduced It’s a fairly simple matter that depending on the size of the unit costs about £100 to replace.

You may get a tenant who complains about ” a draught” or sees it as an aesthetic issue, but it’s nothing major. It would be picked up on an EPC though if one was due.

The council have issues with something that affects health. This doesnt, yet.

The Housing Act 2004, has no legal requirement on misty windows, if thats its only defect.

It’s defective. At some point will have to be replaced. You just putting off the inevitable. Harsh frost or intense sunshine may crack the glass eventually if left and could be considered a safety hazard as weakens the glass panel when being cleaned or any pressure applied to it. Had to replace two in my new build let which is flippin annoying but quality not what it was.

When I first moved into my current property there was a misted window in the kitchen.

It didn’t bother me in the slightest, it’s one of those things that happens. I didn’t even bring it up to the landlord. It appeared that he noticed it himself and said he would replace even after I said that I was fine with it.

From what I understand they are pretty cheap and quick to replace so a relatively quick fix in the grand scheme of things.

to be honest I have had this but not looking to replace my misted window as I would not feel its defective at this stage. With costs being diverted to pay for effing SL’s, paying out for this is causing a dent. It will have to wait until next year to be replaced.

It’s not an issue Council could take action on through HHSRS, but if it’s an HMO, they could conceivably take action referring to Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006. HMO Manager must keep windows in good order amongst many other things. If an HHSRS inspection, I’d make a Subject Access Request to get a copy of the HHSRS report their original notes, and all internal correspondence on the subject – make them regret being so ridiculous.

I usually wait till I have 3 windows faulty and then do them as otherwise the overheads exceed the window costs. Tends to be south facing windows due to high temperature variations.

Incorrect. The working of an element is not taken into account on an EPC, just its presence.

Nottingham City Council licensing regard misted windows as a fault that needs rectifying as they claim that it breaches HHSRS as the window is not thermally efficient. However, it is likely that it is still more thermally efficient than single glazing and there is no requirement (yet) for rented properties to have double glazing, as indeed many properties in conservation areas are not allowed to have double glazing.
So IMHO this is another case of councils bullying landlords, as if they decide to impose a fine then you have all the costs of resisting this at a First Tier Tribunal, and councils are not afraid of wasting vast amounts of tax payers money on legal teams to try and force their views through.