When condensation and mould is caused by the tenant?

Reply to the comment left by peter vallance at 24/01/2024 - 09:56
I fit Envirovents to all our bath /shower rooms.
The fan runs all the time removing some air 24/7.
Costs a couple of pennies to run per day.
It also senses when the room gets humid from people showering. There is a pull cord for the concentious tenant.
We have fitted these fans for over 15 years.
Mould is no-longer a problem.
Take the "option" away.
They might take the fuse out.
Then this is someone you cannot help.

You went into the property when the tenant wasn’t there? Did you have their permission?

When I went to building college in the 80's we were taught how to calculate the number of "air charges per hour" in a property to ensure sufficient ventilation. Green initiatives now want house's to be hermetically sealed and we wonder why we have problems 🤷‍♀️

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 24/01/2024 - 23:21
Of course I did, I think you have been drinking too much cider if you think I'd do that.

I would say, do go check everything is as it should be. I had tenants complaining of mould, the previous tenants had no problems, the new tenants were keeping the heating on low. I thought it must be them. But when I inspected, the loft insulation had been laid by a previous owner to look like there was much more than there really was. It had fooled the EPC inspector too and it was apparent in the pattern of mould on the bedroom ceiling. I just wish the tenants had said something sooner.

So what is the story with this house? Is the photo a stock image, or is it your property? I ask because that's a single glazed window, so if it's your property then yeah, it will encourage mould - sort it out. Be the minimum standard of decent landlord and make sure your property has double glazing.

I do appreciate that low level heating is a nightmare for encouraging mould and ventilation only helps when combined with heating. But make sure you ruled out your responsibilities before you blame the tenant.

The government may decide a lot of things which it doesn’t do Right even if we have to comply with their LL laws.

If you’ve had no problems for 15 years, and now you have a problem, either something has happened to the structure of the building. The tenants way of life is causing problems (which is the case in many circumstances), issue 21, do what you have to do to get the place nice and clean and mould free.

Options are to Ent dance specialist in who can confirm what the issue is, if it is the tenant, then you will have evidence to present to him and send back to anyone representing him. You will also then have evidence to claim against the deposit.

Had this exact same issue. The tenants would not use the dehumidifier I gave them (too expensive to run), or open windows (too cold). They also used a rice steamer constantly and slept 4 to a bedroom. Tried to educate and reason with them to no avail. Bought hygrometers which were reading 85-95% relative humidity! I just bought a PIV and installed myself. £325 and problem solved. Cheaper than eviction, no more issue!

Damp Condensation. We now have no problem.
Our rental properties are the older age - Victorian i.e very common, solid wall.... There is so much confusion, misinformation and it's so emotive - photos, illness, deaths....

This issue is going to explode for landlords. The tenants can mismanage but once reported the landlord will be in the sights. Doing section 21 will just be a circle, as are wiping, repainting, portable humidifiers.....

We now have no problem. Installed positive ventilation. This is not an ad but for info we used Envirovent. First we measured the moisture content, and we were above the limit (not much) - yes there are standards. Measure first, then measure annually. Yes, also explain to the tenant what is required. And yes, deal with other damp (rising, penetrating) and other issues.

3 bedroom, 2 adults 2 children. Mould was on the agenda. Upgraded in the bathroom and another for the flat in general. They are on quietly (very) all the time (there is no on/off), which increase in response to rising moisture content. After the first year, the tenant reports no sign of mould, and the flat is below the limit.

Another property, a basement flat ! Installed positive ventilation in the bathroom, utilities (has a condensing dryer), and WC. Not even on the windows. No sign of mould in 5 years.

Now replacing 2 basic bathroom exhaust units in another property, where the bathrooms were too damp, cold and even the chrome fittings were attracting rust. Let's see.

Yes we invested. This has stopped discussion, risk and what's to come.

Serve S21 and get rid of them. Stick the property through a rental agent and make sure they do inspections regularly.

I have all mine now on guaranteed rent which also motivates the agent to keep on top of things.

Hi,
You must begin possession proceedings without delay.
You cannot teach an old dog new tricks and it appears you have tried.
FYI most local authorities are anti landlord and will work against you in most cases. So don't waste your time and energy trying to get any sense from them.
I would advise issuing a S.21 notice and also a S.8 notice, both to run concurrently.
If you require further advice then please contact legalmentor.co.uk
We have a 100% success rate with them 🙂