Condensation can be a common problem in cooler months, normally forming on hard surfaces and obvious on windows. Whilst condensation itself is not a hazard, if left untreated it can lead to issues such as damp and mould.
A member recently took to our forum because they were concerned about mould appearing in their rental property due to an increasing amount of condensation on the inside of the windows that they had spotted. They had only recently had the double-glazed windows installed at the property, and the condensation on the insides had begun to appear. They took to our forum to ask other landlords for their advice about how to reduce this.
The responses
The first person to respond to this member's query began by suggesting the landlord should establish whether the issue is occurring in just one room or several.
They said that it could be that the old windows were very leaky and that damp inside dissipated outside. They suggested the new windows are not leaky enough and damp inside could be causing condensation on the windows.
The second landlord to comment on the thread asked the original poster whether there are extractor fans in the kitchen or bathroom, and whether any laundry may be dried indoors.
They said this is sometimes a cause of condensation, but extractor fans can help to stop back mould starting to form on walls.
The next landlord to post on the thread said they line both window and door reveals with upvc board, which is both insulative and non-absorbent. In their experience, mould hasn’t formed when they have used this. This landlord also said they tend to put a false ceiling in the bathrooms of their rentals, and use UPVC.
Read more advice for tenants and landlords around tackling condensation in our guide
- Read the original forum post here