How to deal with dampness and condensation issues in rental properties
The winter months can cause condensation issues especially in the cooler parts of our country. When air is warmed inside a property, it will hold water vapour. The more heating we use, the more water vapour that will be held. When that air comes in contact with a cold surface, condensation occurs most often on the windows. READ MORE: * Heat hacks: One year on, that roll of plastic wrap is still saving me $20k * The hidden dangers of mould in the home * Budget Buster: Declaring war on mould and moisture Other activities that can cause condensation include: Minimisation and prevention Ventilating a home is important to prevent condensation and avoid damage being caused to a property. Condensation can be minimised by: If a property is not properly ventilated, this can damage the home and affect the heath of its occupants. Damage might include: Warmer, safer and dryer homes Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 amendments that came into effect in 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation is now compulsory in all rental homes where it is reasonably practicable to instal. It must comply with the regulations and be safely installed. The healthy homes standards include new requirements for insulation, which will take effect from 1 July 2021 for some rental properties, with all rental properties to comply by 1 July 2024. Learn more about the insulation requirements on the tenancy.govt.nz website or speak to your property manager. Insulating, adding good extractor/exhaust fans, and ensuring a property is ventilated will help minimise the impact of condensation. This article originally appeared on Realestate.co.nz and has been republished with permission.