Condensation and mould: what landlords need to know and how to manage it effectively

As temperatures drop and the UK moves into the colder months, condensation in homes becomes a common issue. For landlords, the change in seasons can cause condensation to escalate if not managed properly, leading to mould, tenant complaints, and potential legal implications.

Condensation and mould, if left unaddressed, not only risk the health of tenants but may also lead to issues requiring resolution over the tenant’s deposit at the end of the tenancy.

With new regulations on the horizon for the private rented sector when the Renters’ Rights Bill and Awaab’s Law come into force, it’s more important than ever for landlords to be proactive in managing damp, mould and condensation.

Understanding the causes of condensation and mould, and making sure that both they and their tenants know how to prevent them, is vital for landlords to safeguard their properties and tenants, and to stay on the right side of the law.

In this guide, we’ll explore the steps you can take to manage condensation, comply with evolving legislation, and protect your investment, signposting you to resources from our insurance partner, Total Landlord, as well as further reading from mydeposits.

Awaab’s Law and new legal obligations for private landlords

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in a social-rented home as a result of health problems brought on by prolonged exposure to mould in the property, resulted in the introduction of Awaab’s Law to the social sector in 2023.

Once the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, this law will be extended to the private rental sector.

Currently, when problems relating to the condition of a rented property are reported, landlords are simply required to fix them within a ‘reasonable’ timeframe. Under Awaab’s Law, landlords will be legally required to investigate and fix reported serious health hazards like damp and mould within a specific timeframe or face legal consequences, including fines and potential bans on renting out properties.

Landlords who fail to comply risk their tenants challenging them through the court for breach of contract.

“Since the death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 as a result of mould, campaigners have been calling for landlords in the private rented sector to be held to the same standards as those in the social sector now are, with research indicating that 1.6 million children live in privately rented homes with damp, mould or excessive cold. The Labour Government has confirmed that this legislation will be introduced to private landlords.

The onus is now firmly on the landlord to identify and deal with any problem. It is no longer acceptable to blame issues on the way tenants live and normal life. Instead, landlords and their agents must be sensitive to the needs of tenants and work with them to understand and change behaviour where appropriate.”

Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme

How does the Renters’ Rights Bill protect tenants?

The Renters’ Rights Bill will give more rights and protections to people renting their homes. See Total Landlord’s Renters’ Rights Bill hub for more information on the various provisions within the Bill. There are a number of measures aimed at protecting tenants from substandard living conditions and hazards such as damp, mould and condensation. These include the following:

• Mandating timely repairs

Landlords must address reported issues of damp and mould promptly, adhering to strict timelines specified in the legislation.

• Enhancing enforcement powers

Local authorities will have greater powers to enforce standards and penalise non-compliant landlords. The maximum fines they can issue to landlords without having to go to court will increase from £30,000 to £40,000 for serious and persistent non-compliance. Landlords who fail to keep their property free from serious hazards can be fined up to £7,000.

• Improving tenant rights

Tenants will have clearer avenues to report issues and seek redress without fear of retaliation through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman. The ombudsman will support quicker and cheaper resolution when there are disputes, preventing them escalating to costly court proceedings by providing fair, impartial and binding resolution, to both landlords and tenants.

For landlords, the change to the law is significant. Landlords must be sure to address mould-related complaints promptly to avoid liability, legal action, and severe financial penalties.

Landlords should adopt preventative measures that not only comply with the law, but also protect their properties from long-term damage and safeguard their tenants.

What is condensation and why does it lead to mould?

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air in a home comes into contact with colder surfaces, such as windows or walls. As the moisture cools, it condenses into water droplets, which can lead to the development of black mould.

Over time, this mould can damage the property and create serious health risks, particularly for tenants with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues.

This kind of mould thrives in damp conditions, and its presence can be a warning sign of broader issues like poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, or ineffective heating.

From a landlord’s perspective, addressing hazards such as condensation and mould not only maintains the property’s value but may also prevent the need for formal resolution at the end of the tenancy over deposit deductions.

We offer an independent and impartial resolution service for landlords, agents and tenants who are unable to reach an agreement on distributing the deposit when the tenancy ends. In this case study on mould and damp we break down our approach. The case highlights the importance of reporting issues as soon as the tenant notices them, and also of ventilating your rental property. You can also read our guide to understanding damp, mould and condensation, which includes advice from Resolution Department Lead at mydeposits, Suzy Hershman, on how to avoid end of tenancy deposit deductions.

“Ventilation is key to keeping condensation to a minimum, through a combination of using extractor fans and tenants opening windows to allow air to circulate. Although during the winter tenants might be reluctant to open the windows and let any heat out, it’s important that they still make every effort to ventilate rooms where condensation is likely to accumulate.”

Suzy Hershman, Resolution Department Lead at mydeposits

Our tenant information infographic includes five tips to prevent condensation and mould.

The role of landlord insurance in managing damp, mould, and condensation

When it comes to managing damp, mould and condensation in your rental property, it’s not just tenant health and legal compliance that are at stake – landlords also need to consider how damp and mould issues may affect the insurability of their properties.

Damp or mould are typically caused by ongoing issues with the property, and these are often not covered by standard landlord insurance policies, unless they are the result of an insured event like a burst pipe.

Melissa Choules, Lead Claims Technician at our insurance partner, Total Landlord, emphasises the critical role of preventative maintenance in safeguarding properties from the effects of damp and mould:

“At Total Landlord, we receive numerous claims each year related to damage caused by damp and mould. Many of these cases could be avoided with regular inspections and timely intervention,” she explains. “Landlords should be aware that insurance policies often do not cover damage resulting from long-term neglect or lack of maintenance. Proactively addressing condensation and mould not only protects your investment but also guarantees compliance with your insurance obligations.”

Total Landlord provides landlords with guidance on managing these risks through preventative maintenance and comprehensive policy coverage. For a much deeper understanding, read their detailed guide on damp, mould, and condensation, which covers how landlords can minimise property damage and avoid costly repairs by acting early.

Key factors that cause condensation in rental properties

Several factors contribute to condensation and the development of mould in homes. These include the following:

• Insufficient heating. Properties that aren’t consistently heated to at least 18-19 degrees Celsius are more likely to suffer from condensation. Cold surfaces like walls and windows attract moisture, particularly in homes with poor insulation.
• Poor ventilation. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly prone to moisture build-up. If the steam from cooking or bathing isn’t ventilated properly, it will condense on cooler surfaces throughout the property.
• Tenant behaviour. Tenants may inadvertently contribute to condensation by drying clothes indoors or not using extractor fans. Landlords should educate tenants on the importance of keeping rooms ventilated and avoiding moisture build-up.

How landlords can prevent condensation and mould

Proactively addressing condensation is the best way to avoid the negative impacts of mould and damp. Here are some practical steps landlords can take to protect their properties:

1. Insulate the property effectively. Good insulation is key to preventing condensation. Making sure that walls, lofts, and windows are properly insulated will help keep the property warm and reduce the likelihood of condensation. Insulating cavity walls and installing double glazing also contribute to improving the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which will be increasingly important as legal standards evolve.
2. Provide efficient heating. Making sure the property has an efficient and affordable heating system will help tenants maintain a steady temperature and avoid condensation. Natural gas is typically the most cost-effective option, but where gas isn’t available, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient alternative. Landlords should encourage tenants to keep the property at a consistent temperature, rather than fluctuating between hot and cold. Total Landord’s guide to preparing your boiler contains lots of useful advice on maintaining a decent heating system.
3. Improve ventilation. Proper ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms is crucial. Extractor fans can remove moisture before it condenses on surfaces, while more advanced ventilation systems like Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) offer continuous airflow. Landlords should also make sure tenants understand the importance of using these systems, even in winter.
4. Educate tenants. Tenant education is often overlooked but is crucial to maintaining a mould-free property. By informing tenants about the causes of condensation and how to prevent it, landlords can reduce the likelihood of mould forming. Provide tenants with clear instructions on how to ventilate the property, keep rooms heated, and avoid drying clothes indoors.
5. Regular inspections. Inspections are a vital tool for landlords to maintain their properties and strengthen the landlord-tenant relationship.

Nick Lyons, CEO of No Letting Go, underscores the critical role of mid-term inspections in preventing condensation and mould:

“Regular property inspections are essential for landlords to identify issues like damp and mould before they escalate into serious problems,” Nick explains. “By conducting thorough mid-term checks, landlords can address maintenance issues promptly, safeguard tenant safety, and stay compliant with new regulations included in the Renters’ Rights Bill and Awaab’s Law.”

Nick adds, “Inspections also provide an opportunity to educate tenants on proper ventilation and heating practices, fostering a collaborative approach to property care.”

If you’re unsure how to explain these issues to tenants, mydeposits offers a helpful guide to understanding damp and mould, which includes guidance on how to avoid end of tenancy deposit deductions and can serve as a useful reference.

Long-term solutions and compliance with the Renters’ Rights Bill

With the Renters’ Rights Bill introducing new legal obligations, landlords must be prepared to adopt long-term approaches for managing condensation and mould.

The new laws place additional responsibilities on landlords to make sure that their properties are free from health hazards like mould and damp.

Regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and tenant education will be key to compliance and maintaining the integrity of your property.

Key actions include:

• regular property inspections. Schedule routine checks, especially before and during the colder months, to identify and address any issues early
• prompt repairs. Act quickly to fix any reported problems related to damp and mould to comply with legal timeframes and avoid penalties
• record-keeping. Maintain detailed records of inspections, communications with tenants, and repair work to demonstrate compliance with your legal obligations

Condensation and mould are persistent problems for landlords, particularly during the colder months. However, with a proactive approach – making sure the property is well-insulated, properly ventilated, and adequately heated – landlords can reduce these risks.

Tenant education is also critical to keeping properties mould-free. Total Landlord have put together a damp and mould tenant checklist that you can download and share with your tenants. You can also refer tenants to our article, ‘Condensation and mould: Handy tips for tenants during the colder months’.

By implementing these measures, landlords can avoid disputes, reduce repair costs, and protect their properties from long-term damage.

With provisions in the Renters’ Rights Bill such as the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law setting higher standards for rental properties, staying informed and compliant is more important than ever.

For more advice on managing damp and mould, and understanding the insurance implications, visit Total Landlord  guide to damp, mould, and condensation. Additionally, check out the comprehensive case studies and guidance on the mydeposits Content Hub, which will help you manage disputes related to mould and damp in your rental properties.