At this time of year (Winter) a big problem, faced by tenants and landlords is the unsightly effects of condensation. An understanding the causes and effects of condensation will assist you in putting in place some simple steps which could help reduce the effects.
Condensation occurs when warm moist air inside a property comes into contact with a colder surface and cools down. Since warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, this cooling releases the moisture resulting in condensation on the colder surface.
Condensation is generally much more noticable on non absorbent surfaces , such as glass, tiles and paint work. but it still occurs on absorbant surfaces. It's just that these surfaces absorb the condensation and that's what can cause the most problems. You can also notice condensation forming where the air is stiller, like behind furniture or in cupboards, where it could remain unnoticed until a mould growth appears or in extreme cases, rotting of the material where the condensation has formed. Sometimes mould growth is accompanied by a musty smell.
Moisture ( ie Water) in the air comes from many every day activities within the house. An ordinary person can produce up to two litres of water every single day, just by doing everyday things , like showering, washing boiling Kettles. Even Breathing produces water vapour. So for a normal household of 4 people, that's over 50 litres of water a week, which must go somewhere.
As a tennant, you can take a few simple steps to reduce the problems caused by condensation. Keep Rooms Ventilated as much as possible, especially after baths or showers. When Drying clothes inside, try to ventilate the room to the outside air. Wipe away any water caused by the condensation, to prevent mould growth or rotting. Move furniture away from walls a few inches, to let fresh air circulate.
As a Landlord, you want to ensure there are no underlying faults which could lead to exess condensation. Ensure the problem actually is condensation and not dampness, which is a different problem altogether. Ensure air vents and wall cavities are clear. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation into the property and consider extractor fans in areas of high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Finally it is umlikely that any brittish home will be completely condensation free, however, by keeping your property properly maintained and thinking about your lifestyle and taking appropriate steps, you should be able to live with condensation, without it ruining your life.