As the colder months roll in, it’s extremely important to be vigilant regarding the moisture and dampness of your rental property. When temperatures drop, homes will often produce high volumes of condensation. Over the years, we’ve seen complaints about condensation problems come up time and time again. There is actually a responsibility for both the landlord and tenant to work together to ensure damage is minimised.
Below, we’ve outlined some common causes for mould, condensation build-up & dampness in homes. We’ve also included tips on how to identify it and what you can do to prevent further damage.
What Causes Condensation, Mould & Dampness?
Moisture build-up commonly comes from internal activities within the household. For example, washing and drying a load of clothes indoors can produce up to 5 litres of moisture. Other everyday activities such as cooking, doing the dishes and showering with closed windows also prove to be among the biggest causes of condensation build-up.
External sources can add to household moisture levels as well. Common issues include blocked gutters, downpipes, and drainage. If the house is suspended, pooled water or damp earth can cause problems with dampness throughout the rest of the property.
The largest cause of moisture build-up however is simply poor ventilation. So, if you are a landlord preparing your property for rent, it pays to make an extra effort here.
How To Identify If Your Property Has Condensation Damage
There can be many telling signs that your investment property or rented house has moisture build-up. Most of these are easily visible, however some can remain hidden until the home is properly inspected. Here are some common ways to identify damage from condensation, mould or dampness:
- Musty smells
- Damp or mouldy clothes/shoes in wardrobes
- Mould forming behind pictures, mirrors or furniture
- Mould, stains or watermarks on ceilings or walls
- Rotting wood in the structure of the house
- Musty smells or mould under the house
How To Minimise Or Prevent Condensation
Of course, it would be impossible to cease all day-to-day activities during the cooler months just to prevent condensation. However, there are many ways in which a landlord can manage a home for mould, and ways in which tenants can continue to minimise damage caused.
Tips For Landlords
- Check external sources for mould and ensuring gutters, downpipes and drainage are clear
- Install a moisture barrier under the house (if suspended) to stop condensation building up
- Provide a house with good heating and ventilation. This includes extractor fans that vent externally, and functioning windows.
- Install a shower dome to prevent steam escaping into the bathroom
Tips For Tenants
- Dry washing outdoors
- Utilise heating facilities
- Use extractor fans when cooking, showering and doing laundry
- Open the windows regularly to enable ventilation throughout the house
- Purchase a dehumidifier to use in the home during the winter
- Use lids on pots when cooking
- Keep furniture away from walls
- Leave wardrobes open slightly for ventilation
At Rotorua Rentals, we are experts when it comes to property management and renting in Rotorua. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, contact us to see what we can do for you.
