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<\/a>As most will know mould and condensation problems are not just caused by poor ventilation, they occur due to an imbalance between a number of factors such as: moisture production, ventilation, atmospheric temperature, surface temperature and insulation deficiencies. Any imbalance between these can lead to humid conditions and the possible germination of mould.<\/p>\nMost homeowners and occupiers will naturally try to live in a manner that reduces the risk of moisture and mould problems arising through their life style choices however, for landlords lifestyle choices are often beyond their control, particularly when it comes to the control of heating.<\/p>\n
A recent survey reminded me of exactly this scenario. It was a house of multiple occupancy, which had sufficient means of both natural and mechanical ventilation, was well insulated both walls and ceilings and incorporated a modern, efficient heating system. So why were the tenants complaining of mould.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The answer was simple, the tenants just don’t use the heating. During my survey I noted most of the radiators had been turned off and the house temperature was a shivering 8 degrees.It\u2019s not as uncommon as you think and something I\u2019ve encountered more and more recently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When you consider the average debt of a student at university in 2018 is now around \u00a334,800, as you would expect students are doing as much as possible to save money where they can. One obvious choice is to turn off the heating and put on another jumper.<\/p>\n Student loan statistics taken from statista: (https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/376423\/student-loans-england-average-debt-on-entry-to-repayment-timeline\/#0)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019ve also recently recommended the same technology to a landlord who rented a property through Air B\u2018n\u2019B and was having trouble with short stay tenants either not understanding the heating system or leaving it operational when they vacated wasting money and energy.<\/p>\n If a property is occupied but not heated the air temperature will be cold and is therefore unable to hold the water vapour produced via occupation, consequentially this means a much higher risk of condensation. The fabric of the building i.e. walls and ceilings also reduce in temperature thus meaning they are much more susceptible to mould.<\/p>\n The Environmental Protection Act states that; building owners and landlords are responsible for providing a healthy living environment that is free of excess moisture and mould by ensuring proper building construction and maintenance. The occupants themselves are also responsible for managing the use of water, heating, ventilation and appliances in a manner that does not lead to dampness and mould growth.<\/p>\n Many landlords don’t live within reach of their rental properties as such, it’s not as simple for them to monitor the building and tenant\u2019s lifestyle and provide advice or assistance where necessary. Similarly, landlords may not always be party to the electric and gas usage therefore may have no idea as to how effectively the building is being heated. This is where advancements in technology and particularly smart home devices can help.<\/p>\n Smart home technology can allow you to control the operation of your heating system from a remote location. Similarly, the technology can learn from your daily routine enabling the system to make the most energy efficient changes to your heating system. Most smart home heating systems also provide a monthly report, so you can see how efficiently your home is being heated and exactly how much energy is being used.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>So, what are the implications for the landlord? Well, firstly disgruntled tenants complaining of mould and condensation which unbeknown to them, it could be their actions which are contributory to the problem and secondly potential damage to the fabric and decoration.<\/p>\n