Autumn Renting ‘Cosy, not Mouldy’ by Heather Hilder on September 17, 2025 Autumn Renting ‘Cosy, not mouldy’ The ‘cosy without mouldy’ guide to Autumn renting With temperatures dropping and rain setting in this autumn, the temptation is to batten down the hatches and for tenants to retreat back indoors. For some, autumn brings a welcome respite from the heat of summer, especially this year. Cosying up inside is a treat many of us look forward to as the evenings draw in. But that cosiness can come at a cost. There is a risk of condensation causing damp and mould within your rental property if your tenants have bad habits, or you don’t have the right measures in place to prevent condensation from forming. Extractors installed, working and used The majority of moisture comes from two rooms, the kitchen and bathroom. You can encourage tenants to adopt good habits, such as running showers for less time, wiping down surfaces or cooking with lids on saucepans. However, the most effective solution is to ensure that extractor fans are installed, working correctly, and are used properly by tenants . Run them for 15 minutes after cooking or showering. Allowing for airflow While it’s tempting to keep the cold, damp air out, ventilation remains important – especially in other rooms, such as bedrooms, where water vapour from the breath of sleeping occupants will collect on cold windows overnight. Window trickle vents will allow rooms to be aired without having to open windows, or tenants can simply open windows slightly. During inspections remind tenants of such good practice, as well as checking they aren’t blocking air bricks or placing furniture against exposed exterior walls without adequate airflow, since this can quickly allow mould to form unnoticed. Encourage low heating While condensation is mostly formed from high humidity, it can also be caused by internal temperatures dropping. Encouraging tenants to keep their heating on low, rather than to allow rooms to get too cold, can help prevent this. Ideally, keep properties above a minimum of 18C. Providing adequate drying facilities Another major cause of condensation and an issue to beware of on inspections is tenants drying washing inside, especially if they are doing so on radiators. Installing energy-efficient tumble dryers, properly vented outside, can help. However, high energy costs may mean tenants refuse to use them. An outside airer, sufficient for their drying needs, can help them dry washing naturally when the weather and wind allow. For those who do insist on drying inside, a dehumidifier will help draw out the moisture from their washing, as well as helping it to dry faster. Check your properties While keeping an eye-out for mould-inducing tenant behaviour, check during inspections that everything is working as it should, including extractor fans, heating systems and window openings. Check the structure of your property too. Cold corners could indicate problems such as inadequate insulation, while external problems, such as leaking gutters, could also quickly cause damp. Remember: You are responsible Keeping cosy, not mouldy, isn’t just a nice-to-have for your tenants. With new legislation, such as Awaab’s Law, it’s becoming even more important as a legal obligation. Awaab’s Law is due to come into force in the social housing sector in October and to the private rented sector in due course. It will mean that you have a more urgent responsibility to resolve hazards such as damp and mould in your rental property. Tenants already have the right to request an inspection by a local authority environmental health officer. They can seek redress through the housing ombudsman or the courts. These rights are set to increase. Callaways (now rebranded to Wilbury Residential) continues to support landlords in areas from Falmer, Brighton & Hove, to Worthing and Arundel. Contact us today to learn how we can help you adapt to new regulations and safeguard your investment. Reach out now for expert advice!
