What do you do if you see that the tenants apparently never open the windows?
The property is a flat in quite an old building in preservation area, large English windows, single glazed. In a way, I do understand that the tenant may not be used to the climate in Britain and try to keep the warmth in. However, the windows are all covered with condensate from top to bottom from the inside, and this may cause as the mould growing as the wooden parts of the frame rotting.
Should I approach the tenant with the strict recommendation to open the windows for ventilation every now and then? Or will it be considered as breaching his “quiet enjoyment” right?
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Its is absolutely fine for you to approach this with the tenant, and guide them how best to manage the damp.
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Put everything in writing. Next you’ll be accused of letting mould grow.
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Same happened with me.My new tenant sent me photo of mold next to child’s bed in room. The house never had mold before.
The new tenant keeps the window closed. Now, I am going to advise her to fit a window guard to start ventilation. There is a wall vent already in place.
Are you going to pay for mold removal spray too.
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My tenant had condensation issues which he brought up himself. I took a long time explaining how and why they occur and said I appreciated he didn’t want to spend money on heating then throw the windows open. I suggested a dehumidifier and said I was happy to buy one for him. After all £100+ is cheap compared to redecoration. It was a smallish one of 12 litres capacity and he says it has made a world of difference to him. This is for a one bedroomed flat, The energy consumption is very low and it is quiet ,small and portable. Hope this helps you/anyone else. The tenant will have a more comfortable life.
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I had the same, I sent 4-5 warning letters, lots of begging & promises & pleading on their part. They left my property totally uninhabitable . May 2023…I won the full deposit which didnt go near the renovation & replacement costs, electrics sodden & bust, beds ruined, carpets, blinds. I’ve been in court with them despite me declaring they are a flight risk. The lastest shambles is I didn’t receive the last court documents despite me emailing the court & they left such a short time between “issuing” it…that by the time the court replied to my email my case has been closed ! Now fighting to reinstate it - plus court fees all hiked.
I’ve been calling for days & I’m usually 60th in a call queue. My opinion they won’t heat & ventilate, you need to protect your asset the cost to reinstate is too high. Evict if you can…
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Mould is a category one hazard so you do need to deal with it lifestyle or structural
Can you fit a wall / loft PIV unit
Are your extractors working in the kitchen and bathrooms?
It ventilates the property so you don’t have to worry about tenants opening windows
Are the humidity sensors working on the fans?
Are the fans wired to come on with the light ?
The landlord association , local authority and websites have information on mould and lifestyle
You can send one to him
Are you able to provide a tumble dryer?
Don’t dry clothes on radiator
?
Does the chimney hood work ?
Is the washing machine covered with mould ? If so advise on keeping it clean as then mould is in his clothes too?
We have done the same. Also can recommend small dehumidifiers available online or in stores which collect moisture from the air and can be placed in or on top of wardrobes and in the corners of rooms . They are recyclable in most areas once full of water. Very effective -we use them in our own house where mildew or mould can appear sometimes appear.