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Property Management – Northridge – Is Damp, Mold and Condensation a Problem?

NORTHRIDGE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Is Damp, Mold & Condensation a Problem?

Did you know that one of the most common risks when renting property especially during the winter months is being faced with problems caused by damp, condensation and mold and are much more common in older properties but do also affect the newer properties too. Having dampness in your properties can lead to the growth of mold which is not only unsightly but more importantly can cause health problems and reactions. As a owner or property manager you have a duty of care in providing safe housing which includes not just the structure but also the environment that the tenants have to live in. There have been legal cases that have been successful in Court whereby the tenant has sued the landlord as they have developed health problems from living in a damp home. Dampness, extreme cold and mould growth have an impact on the conditions in which a tenant has to live which means that you have an obligation to ensure that it is dealt with.

Dampness in properties is usually caused by one or more of these four reasons – the entrance of water from a leaky roof or water leak within the home; damp rising from the floor due to a lack of damp proof courses and condensation.

As well as mold growth which becomes visible and a health hazard, you can also find that the traditional building materials can absorb the moisture including your timbers giving wet or dry rot problems and faults in electrical systems.

So how do you combat these. By carrying out regular property inspections and being very watchful you can check to see if there are any signs of water leaking from the ceilings and roof, windows and guttering joins as well as internal leaks from the bathrooms, toilets and sinks. Check any basements and lower floor level for any damp as well as any other damp patches visible which may be seeping in through the bricks as the mortar has deteriorated.

As for condensation, this can be a bit tricky. Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with colder dryer air on a surface such as a window. As air contains moisture, warm air has the ability to hold more moisture than cold air so the excess water is released onto the contact surface. Although condensation can build up due a defect in the structure of the property such as not enough air brick ventilation etc the majority of causes of condensation within the home are from the lifestyle of its occupants. A lack of heating to cut fuel bills or venting steam from kitchens and bathrooms in the long term can cause mold to grow in these areas. This is also another good point for owners and property managers to look out for when carrying out your property inspections and it may be a case that you need to speak to your tenants and ensure particularly during the winter months that they are keeping the house warm to prevent this and also keeping themselves warm.

Whatever you do make sure you maintain these problems and deal with them early. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure.

By Tracy Wallbank

Since 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for our success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.