Condensation & Mould

[GazNicki]

We rent a propery and the majority of windows suffer from a lot of Condensation. The worst windows are the master bedroom and the box room. There is mould appearing around the windows and in the corners of the bedrooms, and the wallpaper is sodden in areas too.

The Landlord says it is becuase the windows are "too well sealed" yet each of the windows are draughty. The Landlord recently had the loft insulated as it was free because my Wife is on Incapacity Benefit.

To try and combat the problem, I have purchased some Unibond Stop Humidity for the Master Bedroom and the Box Room and these have absorbed water, but not made any difference to the amount of moisture on the windows.

I can't afford to buy a De-Humidifier, but what else can be done?? I doubt the landlord will replace the windows which i think is the main cause, but there must be something that can be done.

[Nosha123]

The only thing that will really work - that is reasonably checp is the dehumidifier I'm afraid. Homebase do a good one for about £80.. you will notice an immediate improvement so its well worth the investment!!!
Furnishings and fabrics will eventually get damaged too - so to avoid costly repairs and replacements - the dehumidifier is the better of the two evils!

[finlay2005]

Dehumidifiers are expensive to run and will not eradicate the problem. Apart from Air Bricks (which will let heat escape) the best solution may be a Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit. I had a similar problem at a property I own where the only ventilation was through the front doors and since I've had this installed the mould and mustyness have vanished. They cost about £300 to buy and install but run for about 10p a week, they keep heat in but let moisture out - why don't you approach your landlord as it will help keep his property in better condition (and keep his tenants happy!)

[tamirra]

My daughter has just had the same problem with damp and mould in her new build rented house, the landlord wouldnt do anything about it even after being asked many times, so we resulted in our local enviromental services at the council, they were very interested as its a health hazzard, the work is now being done to put the damp and mould right, try going down this route and see what happens, seeing as your wife is disabled they will certainly do something about it, and i would also say like my daughter is now doing, withhold the rent until the work is completed. Good luck.