Condensation in a rental property

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According to the good folk over at springcleaningtips.com, a household breathing can contribute 1.2 litres of water vapour in the air.
Showering contributes roughly 1 litre.
Cooking and using a kettle obviously varies depending on which method and how often it’s used but can be as high as 3 litres.
Washing and drying clothes can add an enormous 5.5 litres of moisture into the air. With that amount of added water in the air, it’s easy to see how condensation can build up quite fast.
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So as you can see just going about your normal day to day activities in a property contributes greatly to condensation. Many tenants may feel that ventilating a property is like throwing money out of the window with regards to heating costs and as a result do not ventilate correctly.
So the next time you see Mould before treating make sure everyone knows what caused the condensation in your rental home.
 
Other blogs of interest may be Wear and tear of a rental property

Mould in rented accommodation

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Mould

 

Mould is a type of fungi that occurs completely naturally in nature and its main function is to help with the decomposition of organic matter such as leaves. Not the type of thing anybody would want in their property. They reproduce through spores that float around in the air and only grow into visible colonies when they spend enough time on a suitable surface containing moisture and nutrients.

 

Mould Growth


Materials that are used in the building of most homes like plywood and carpets are perfect breeding grounds for growth so the key to prevention is reducing moisture. Excess moisture appears after flooding, plumbing leaks, buildings that are too airtight so moisture can’t escape, not enough ventilation near ovens and showers resulting in condensation and general high humidity levels. Condensation also occurs when air gets colder and it loses its ability to retain moisture. Add moisture to warmth and give it a bit of time and you’ve got a new addition to the household.


The most common cause in Irish homes is probably condensation. It’s an internal problem arising from moisture that can’t escape. To prevent condensation and in turn contribute largely to the prevention of mould you should:

  • Have a good ventilation system in place – extractor fans in bathrooms, exhaust fans in cooking and laundering areas and open windows
  • Dry windows and windowsills when you notice condensation forming
  • Insulate cold surfaces well in order to keep central heating low to stop build up on windows, walls and floors
  • Try to keep carpets and rugs away from water sources like sinks and showers
  • Dry washed clothes outside as much as possible
  • Air cupboards and wardrobes frequently

Choosing the right tenant for your property

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Removing Mould

If mould is already a problem in the home, the best thing to do is get rid of what’s already there and then take preventative measures. Mould killing sprays can be bought in most local supermarkets and these are effective in removing small growths, although a mixture of water and bleach can also help. If on walls or skirting boards, fungicidal paint can be used after the clean-up to prevent a recurrence of the problem. When cleaning, don’t forget to protect yourself. Rubber gloves, protective goggles and a dust mask are a must for protection against spores, and stop and go outside to get some air if you develop a headache or become nauseous. For larger growths it is recommended to call a professional mould remover. Certain materials like insulation and carpets can’t just be treated, they need to be removed and replaced.

If you spot the beginnings of mould growth (black pinpricks) take action immediately. While not generally toxic, mould can be an irritant and can contribute to respiratory problems. It also causes stains and eventually rots and/or causes deterioration depending on the material it’s growing on.

Whose Responsibility is it?

The simple answer is it’s both the landlords’ and tenants’ responsibility. Before they let a property, landlords should ensure there isn’t any mould growing or remove what’s currently there. Tenants should be informed of how to prevent it, what to do if it starts to grow during their tenancy, and should notify the landlord in case structural changes need to be made.

Other blogs of interest Keeping a tenant happy &

Final inspection and return of a deposit

by Andreas Riha

Rent management software