As we head into autumn, people are spending more time inside increasingly airtight homes, which could exacerbate the number of dwellings suffering from the symptoms of condensation. Issues such as damp and mould growth have the potential to cause a significant increase in tenants claiming this to be as a consequence of ‘inadequate’ ventilation, provided by their landlord under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.

John Bradley, managing director at Homevent, (Elta Fans residential division), explained: “One of many consequences of COVID-19 has been an increase in occupancy levels and durations within homes. Whether this is a case of more individuals living under the same roof, or people spending more time in their homes due to remote working, this has a direct impact on the likelihood of condensation occurring. Put simply: more people, spending more time indoors, generates more moisture.

“This has the possibility of being exacerbated by the introduction of the Green Homes Grant, which focuses on improving the thermal performance of residential properties. This can result in less natural ventilation, and subsequently less moisture being able to escape from the home. This combination of factors, with more moisture being produced and retained within a dwelling, is a condensation tinderbox.”

This damaging combination of factors is common in rented housing, and in the face of complicated, and at times vague legislation, landlords face an uphill task to ensure their properties remain compliant. The term ‘enough ventilation’ is used to determine whether or not a dwelling falls foul of the Homes Act, which can seem imprecise to those not familiar with the building regulations and residential ventilation guidance documents.

John explains: “Landlords face enough challenges as it is, without the task of having to decide how much ventilation is ‘enough’. It is important that they access all the help they can to ensure they remain compliant, which is why we’ve created a free CPD seminar on that subject.

“We are now well into what could become the worst condensation season in memory and landlords must do everything they can to prepare for the consequences. This includes having cost-effective measures ready to be put into place very quickly, to ensure they provide ‘adequate ventilation’ for home occupants. This has been a major focus for Homevent as we head into the colder months, and we’re in a position to help landlords meet their obligations to tenants in an efficient and complaint way.”

Homevent is offering social housing landlords a free 1-hour CPD Seminar titled “Providing “Adequate Ventilation” in Existing Homes”. Contact jbradley@eltafans.co.uk to register.