Author: Ian Greenhalgh

Being a landlord can be a profitable, fulfilling, but difficult job. Tenants can sometimes be your best friend or your worst enemy, so it’s important to know exactly what your role entails when dealing with client issues.

One of the most common and often confusing topics for landlords and tenants is condensation and mould. Condensation is prolific throughout UK homes and can cause an undue amount of problems, from excess moisture to the presence of mould.

We’ve outlined our top pointers on how to deal with condensation and mould complaints as a landlord.

1. Always go and evaluate the problem

Whatever the complaint, it’s important to show your tenants respect by going and inspecting the issue. This allows you to take your own photos and document your investigation. Condensation and mould could be a sign of penetrating damp or rising damp, both of which are issues which you will need to correct.

2. Check ventilation

One of the main sources of condensation is bad ventilation. If you have already provided your tenants with the appropriate ventilation, such as extractor fans and windows, then think of other ways to help, such as providing them with a dehumidifier or improving insulation in the property. The more you can do to help, the less likely your property will become inhabitable, and the less likely the blame will fall on your shoulders.

3. Create a checklist for your tenants

Condensation can also be attributed to the behaviour and lifestyles of your tenants, for example, if they leave lids off pans when boiling, if they leave wet clothes and towels to dry without leaving windows open, or showering with doors and windows shut. Creating a checklist and advice booklet for your tenants can help prevent these problems occurring.

4. Dealing with rising or penetrating damp

Penetrating damp can happen because of cracks in walls, wooden window frames going rotten, or leaking pipes. If water can enter your property from the outside, then this should be repaired by the yourself, and not your tenant.

Rising damp is an issue for landlords with properties on the ground floor or basement flats. As the name suggests, moisture rises up through the ground and is absorbed into the walls of your property. To prevent this kind of problem occurring, ensure you have a proper damp proof course installed.

The best approach is to inform the tenant and fix the problem as soon as possible, so there are no health risks to the occupants and your property remains safe.

5. Replace any failed double glazing

Your main aim as a landlord is to make sure your tenants have comfortable and acceptable living conditions. Simply by replacing any failed double glazing helps prevent the presence of condensation in the home and enhances the look of your property for any potential tenants.

Cloudy2Clear can replace just the glass pane, not the entire frame and unit. This saves customers time and money – we know how busy landlords can be, especially if you have more than one property. Contact your local branch today for more information and a free, no obligation quotation.

Images courtesy of www.pexels.com. Images are free for any personal and commercial purpose. Photos can be edited, modified and distributed. Attribution is not required.

The Cloudy2Clear ‘Ask Louis’ series answers your burning questions regarding replacing and repairing failed double glazing. This month, we explore the common question of when windows should be replaced or repaired.

Why should I replace my windows?

Just like everything, windows have a life span. There are several reasons why you should think about replacing them:

• Energy efficiency
• Modernising your old style with an update
• Security
• House value
• Noise reduction

What signs do I need to look out for?

If you haven’t followed our handy window maintenance advice, they you might find your windows don’t last as long as you expected. Make sure you look out for these common symptoms to update your windows at the right time:

• Broken seals
• Draughts
• Condensation
• Windows are leaking
• Misted up and cloudy double glazing
• Stiff hinges
• Handles not working properly
• Rotten timber windows & older windows

Can I make my windows more energy efficient?

Installing low emissivity energy-efficient glass can help to reduce your heating bills by up to 20% each year, as well as improving your carbon footprint. Even if your windows are double glazed, over 20% of heat loss escapes through them.

At Cloudy2Clear, we can arrange to complete an energy efficient glass survey on all your windows at your home, as well as checking your glass, locks and seals, all attributing to reducing your energy bills. We will advise you on what glass you have currently installed and recommend how to upgrade to the latest energy efficient glass.

Replace the pane, not the frame

If your window frames are in good condition, then Cloudy2Clear can repair your window at the fraction of the cost of a full replacement. Whether you have cloudy, misted up glass, or are looking to update your windows, ensure you take advantage of energy saving glass.

Modernising the look

Windows can be a prominent feature of a home so if you are looking to sell your property or even renovate one you have purchased, you may wish to invest in new windows to increase kerb appeal. If your seals, hinges, and locks are not working properly, or you simply want to modernise your handles or locks to the latest colours and styles, as well as increasing your security to a modern locking system, then this can easily be done by contacting one of our specialists for advice.

Images courtesy of www.pexels.com. Images are free for any personal and commercial purpose. Photos can be edited, modified and distributed. Attribution is not required.

Looking for easy and clever ways to update your home or resolve your storage problems? We bring you our top 15 home improvement hacks for inspiration and motivation.

1. Shoe organiser for storage

Too many pairs taking up the bottom of your wardrobe? Use coat hooks in your hallway, but for your shoes. Mount them lower down and keep your most used pairs handy. Hang shoe organisers on the back of your bedroom door to keep the rest neat and tidy.

2. Use a large mirror to fool the eye

Having a small space doesn’t mean you should miss out. Utilise mirrors to create the illusion of a larger room.

3. Dress your windows to make a quick and easy feature

Windows can often be ignored when looking to create style in your home. Enhance with luxury fabrics, shutters or blinds, remembering to let light in but create privacy.

Think of the outside too; would your home benefit from a window box of evergreens or seasonal blooms?

4. Change knobs on drawers and cupboards

Updating small items can really lift a room. Using vintage knobs, such as ceramic, glass, or wood, can instantly transform an older piece of furniture.

5. Utilise your stairs effectively for storage

Staircases can take up a lot of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from them. Install an under stair cubby for coats and shows, or even a hideaway for reading.

6. Turn your garden shed into a practical space

Is your house getting a tad small for your family? Utilise garden space to create another room. Whether you choose to have an outdoor office or kids’ playroom, it’s a quick and easy way to produce more space.

7. Use walnuts to remove scratches on wooden furniture

An ingenious hack for those looking to freshen up their furniture. Use the innards of a walnut to gently remove marks and scratches. The natural oils penetrate the wood and restore the blemishes.

8. Install shelves towards the top of your walls

Cupboards and bookcases can often take up unnecessary space, so why not fix sturdy shelving towards the top of your walls? This allows you to store books, without taking up floor space.

9. Use drawer organisers

Instead of bundling everything into a drawer, use dividers and organisers to separate your possessions. You will find you’ll save on space and save time because your items are easy to locate.

10. Convert your attic into a guest room

Not so much of a hack, but a project, this is the perfect way to create more space in your home without having to move. Adding an extra bedroom or chill-out area could even increase the price of your home.

11. Use felt pads on your furniture legs to stop scrapes

Simple, but effective. To preserve the life span of both your flooring and your furniture, use felt pads on the feet of your chairs or tables to stop any unnecessary damage.

12. Paint the sides of your doors for an instant uplift

On a tight budget with decorating? Add a pop of colour to any room by painting just the edge of your door. You could even buy a tester paint pot, rather than a full tin.

13. Half paint walls to create height

Again, save on costs by only painting half your walls. This also creates the illusion of height; perfect for those smaller rooms. Keep darker colours to the bottom and use a magnolia or white to blend in with the ceiling.

14. Add towel rails to your bathroom door

If you’re struggling for space in your bathroom or want to keep damp towels out of the way, install towel rails to the back of the door. This is a much more cost effective and space-saving way to hang and dry towels, instead of fitting a heated towel rail.

15. Get your double glazing fixed for a better view

The best home improvement hack for both indoor and outdoor is to have a clear view. If you have failed double glazing that’s ruining your home improvement goals, whether in a standalone window, double glazed door or conservatory, then contact your local Cloudy2Clear branch today for a free quote.

Images courtesy of www.pexels.com. Images are free for any personal and commercial purpose. Photos can be edited, modified and distributed. Attribution is not required.