For many student landlords, summer is the busiest period of the year. Properties are often vacant between tenancies, maintenance work can be carried out more easily, and there is an opportunity to address issues that may have developed during the academic year. One area that deserves particular attention is damp and mould prevention, explains Damian Wallis, technical manager at Safeguard Europe.
While mould growth tends to become visible during the colder months, the conditions that allow it to develop often exist long before winter arrives. Taking action during the summer can reduce the risk of complaints, protect the condition of the property, and help ensure accommodation remains healthy and comfortable for tenants.
Here are five practical steps to take before the new academic year begins.
1. Check for signs of existing damp
Before new tenants move in, carry out a thorough inspection of the property for signs of dampness. Common indicators include discoloured patches on walls, peeling wallpaper, blistering paintwork, musty odours, and mould growth around windows, external walls or behind furniture.
Student properties can be particularly vulnerable because issues may go unnoticed during term time, especially in shared houses where responsibility for reporting maintenance concerns is unclear.
Any evidence of damp should be investigated rather than simply covered up with paint. Identifying the underlying cause early can prevent more extensive and costly repairs later in the year.
2. Inspect gutters, roofs and external walls
Many cases of damp originate from defects in the building envelope. Summer provides ideal conditions for inspecting roofs, gutters, downpipes and external walls.
Look for cracked render, damaged pointing, slipped roof tiles and blocked gutters. Even relatively minor defects can allow water to penetrate the building fabric during periods of heavy rainfall.
Addressing maintenance issues now can reduce the risk of penetrating damp becoming a problem during the wetter autumn and winter months.
3. Improve ventilation throughout the property
Condensation remains one of the most common causes of mould growth in student accommodation. Shared houses typically generate large amounts of moisture from cooking, showering, and clothes drying, often combined with limited ventilation.
Landlords should check that extractor fans are working correctly in kitchens and bathrooms, and ensure air bricks and vents are unobstructed. Where ventilation is inadequate, it may be worth considering upgrades before the start of the new tenancy.
Good ventilation helps remove excess moisture from the air before it can condense on cold surfaces and support mould growth. It also contributes to better indoor air quality for occupants.
4. Review insulation and cold spots
Mould frequently develops on cold surfaces where condensation forms. External walls, corners of rooms, window reveals, and poorly insulated areas are common problem locations.
During summer refurbishment works, landlords should take the opportunity to identify and address cold spots. Improvements such as loft or wall insulation, draught reduction measures and appropriate thermal upgrades can help maintain more consistent internal temperatures.
Reducing temperature differences across the property makes condensation less likely and can improve energy efficiency at the same time.
5. Educate incoming tenants
Even well-maintained properties can experience condensation problems if tenants are unaware of how moisture is generated and controlled within the home.
Providing simple guidance at the start of the tenancy can make a significant difference. Advice might include using extractor fans, keeping trickle vents open, heating rooms to at least 15°C during colder weather, and aiming for 18 to 21°C where practical. It may also include avoiding drying large amounts of laundry indoors without adequate ventilation.
Ensure tenants know how to report issues, encourage them to do so promptly and keep meticulous records. This will help you deal with new defects before they cause too much damage. Clear communication can help tenants understand their role in managing condensation while also demonstrating that the landlord has taken reasonable steps to support good property management.
For more information on damp and mould prevention and cure, see Safeguard’s range of free online webinars: https://safeguardeurope.com/webinars?srsltid=AfmBOorhE3cv_WZKsi9ObME4BS2mlg0h6RydGDdDjlOJdeWj3–JuNkA
