How To Prevent Damp and Mould Appearing In Your Property

There are several practical steps tenants can take to prevent damp and mould from developing in their rental property:

Control moisture and humidity:

• Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens when cooking, showering, or bathing, and leave them running for 15-20 minutes afterward

• Open windows regularly to allow fresh air circulation, even just for 10-15 minutes daily

• Avoid drying clothes indoors when possible, or use a dehumidifier if you must dry them inside

• Keep humidity levels below 60% - you can monitor this with an inexpensive hygrometer

Improve ventilation:

• Don't block air vents or trickle vents in windows

• Keep internal doors open when possible to allow air to circulate between rooms

• Pull furniture away from external walls to allow air to flow behind it

• Avoid overcrowding rooms with furniture and belongings

Heat your home appropriately:

• Maintain consistent, moderate heating rather than letting the property get very cold then heating it intensively

• Try to keep temperatures around 18-21°C in living areas

• Heat rooms you're not using occasionally to prevent cold spots where condensation can form

Daily habits:

• Wipe down surfaces where condensation appears, especially around windows and in bathrooms

• Use lids on pans when cooking to reduce steam

• Take shorter, cooler showers when possible

• Clean and maintain any existing ventilation systems

Address issues promptly:

• Report any leaks, broken windows, or ventilation problems to your landlord immediately

• Clean any small patches of mould quickly with appropriate cleaning products

• Don't ignore persistent condensation problems

The key is managing moisture levels and ensuring good airflow throughout the property. Most damp and mould issues in rental properties stem from everyday activities like cooking and showering combined with poor ventilation.