Tenants, Breathe easy this winter – mould, heating and healthy home

Winter is here and with it comes chilly mornings, steamy showers and… mould if we’re not careful.

But the good news is your rental home is now fitted with a qualifying heating source in the main living room, thanks to the Healthy Homes Standards and it’s there to help keep you warm, dry and well.

Here’s how to make the most of it… and stop mould in its tracks:

Ventilate daily
Open windows and doors for 10–15 minutes each morning to let damp air out and fresh air in. Yes, it’s cold, but this makes a huge difference!

Use your heat pump, or other heating
It’s there to be used! Heating your living room to at least 18°C helps prevent condensation and creates a drier, healthier space. It also helps with mould prevention, so you’re not just heating the air, you’re looking after your health too.

Not a jungle, please
A few indoor plants are lovely but too many can raise humidity. Stick to a small selection and avoid placing them on or near windows where condensation gathers.

Use your extraction fan
All rental kitchens should now be fitted with a working extraction fan or rangehood. Use it every time you cook, especially when boiling or frying and pop the lid on pots to reduce steam.

Bathroom fans matter too
Turn the fan on before a shower, keep the door shut, and crack the window open if possible. Leave the fan running for 10–15 minutes after to clear lingering moisture.

Dry clothes outside
If you can, avoid drying washing indoors. If you must, do it in a well-ventilated room with the door shut and window open and keep your heat pump running to help dry the air.

Keeping your home warm and ventilated helps protect your health, not just the property. Mould spores and dampness can trigger asthma, allergies and other health issues, especially for kids and anyone with breathing conditions.

If you’re doing all the right things and mould still appears, let your property manager know. It could be a maintenance issue, and we’re here to help.

Let’s keep your home warm, dry and healthy this winter - because you deserve to feel good at home.