Damp and mould can be a nightmare for landlords during winter – not just because of the repair costs, but also the risk to tenant health, property condition, and legal compliance.
If you manage rental property in Northwich, winter is the time to get proactive. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the issues and protect your investment.
Why damp and mould are more common in winter
Colder weather leads to more condensation. When warm, moist air inside a home meets cold surfaces – like windows, walls, or poorly insulated corners – water forms. Left alone, this moisture can soak into surfaces and trigger damp, then mould.
The most common causes include:
- Tenants drying clothes indoors without ventilation
- Poor airflow from blocked vents or unused extractor fans
- Leaky roofs, gutters, or plumbing
- Poor insulation or single-glazed windows
The legal risk for landlords
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are legally responsible for keeping their rental properties free from serious damp and mould.
If a tenant reports mould and it isn’t dealt with properly, landlords could face enforcement action, fines, or be forced to carry out repairs under a local authority improvement notice.
How to prevent damp and mould in your rental
Carry out a winter inspection
Look for signs of condensation on windows, peeling paint, musty smells, or black patches on walls and ceilings. Focus on high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and behind furniture.
Remind tenants how to ventilate
Many tenants don’t realise how much daily activities contribute to damp. Provide guidance on:
- Using extractor fans when cooking or showering
- Opening windows regularly – even for just 10 minutes
- Avoiding drying clothes on radiators
- Keeping furniture slightly away from walls
Ensure extractor fans work properly
Extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens should run quietly, be clean, and turn on automatically with humidity where possible. Upgrading them is a cost-effective fix.
Check the EPC and insulation levels
Properties rated E or below on the EPC are often colder and more prone to condensation. Improving insulation or installing double glazing can reduce the risk of damp and cut energy costs for tenants – helping them keep the heating on.
Repair leaks quickly
Even a minor roof leak or blocked gutter can cause penetrating damp. Stay on top of external maintenance, especially after storms or heavy rain.
Use mould-resistant finishes
In high-humidity rooms, mould-resistant paint and sealants can offer added protection. If you’re refurbishing between lets, now’s the time to upgrade.
Support your tenants while protecting your investment
Preventing damp isn’t just about property care – it’s part of being a responsible and legally compliant landlord. Tenants are more likely to stay longer and take better care of the property if they feel supported.
At Belvoir Northwich, we work closely with landlords across the region to help protect rental homes from the common pitfalls of winter. From property checks to maintenance support, our team is here to keep things running smoothly.
Let’s keep your property safe, dry and let this winter.
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