RLA Condensation and Dampness Course

The private rented sector has the highest incidence of condensation and dampness and is one of the main reasons tenants complain to their local Council. The recent restrictions on the use of section 21 is expected to increase the number of complaints to Councils and so it is now even more important that landlords and agents are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

This half day course will provide practical guidance for landlords, agents and property managers on causes of dampness and condensation, an outline of the law, what action can be taken against the landlord and/or tenants, and how to remove or reduce its occurrence. The course will provide guidance on what actions a landlord should take to reduce the risk of legal action for condensation and what advice to give to tenants.

This course will include the following:

• The different types of dampness - rising, penetrating dampness, hygroscopic salts and condensation.

• How to identify the different types and causes.

• The common causes and the solutions.

• The law affecting dampness and condensation;

  • what action is available to tenants
  • what legal action can be taken against landlords and agents
  • what impact the recent restrictions on the use of section 21 is likely to have regarding dampness complaints

• What are the responsibilities and obligations of the landlord, agent and tenant?

• How to reduce its impact and some of the common misconceptions that both tenants and landlords have regarding condensation?

• The importance of heating, ventilation and thermal insulation;

  • central heating versus point heating
  • gas versus electric
  • double glazing, loft insulation and wall insulation
  • impact of cost of heating

• Practical issues and worked examples.