As winter is coming, it’s time to think about how to protect your property from damp and mould. This silent assassin is not only damaging for the house, it can also be detrimental to your tenants’ health.

It can be frustrating to see mould pop up, but there are simple things you can do to help your tenants stay on top of the problem before it starts. Here are ten easy snippets of advice for you to pass on.

• Keep windows open when you can to allow good ventilation

This allows moisture to escape out of the windows rather than settle on your walls. Always be safe though, and make sure windows are securely shut and locked when you aren’t in.

• Make sure vents remain uncovered and extractor fans are working

Good ventilation in rooms without windows or where a lot of moisture is produced is essential.

• Put lids on pans to stop steam escaping

Putting lids on your pans not only means less moisture in the kitchen it also retains heat and cooks your food faster.

• Don’t leave your kettle boiling continuously

Only boil as much water as you need, so the kettle is on for less time, and less moist air circulates. P.S. This is also a great electricity saver!

• Dry clothes outside when possible

The moisture that evaporates from wet clothes will settle on your walls and provide the ideal damp surface for mould to grow. If it’s a sunny winter’s day, move your clothes outside.

• Use a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier will draw water from the air into a tank, which you can then empty. You can also get smaller, non-electrical dehumidifiers that contain water absorbing crystals. These are great for inside wardrobes or behind cupboards in mould-prone spots.

• Keep the household heating on a low level for longer periods

Rather than blast a cold house with heating when you’re in, go for a lower temperature over a longer period of time to keep the air in your house constant.

• Wipe windows and windowsills with a dry cloth to remove moisture

In the winter, glass will be colder as a result of the outside temperature. Therefore it collects more condensation than the walls. You can stop mould growing by wiping them over with a dry cloth regularly.

• Leave internal doors open, so air can circulate around the property

If all doors are closed, some rooms might be very cold or very hot. You want clean, fresh air circulating through your home at an even temperature to keep mould at bay.

• If a soft furnishing is mouldy – make sure it is professionally cleaned

If curtains, clothes or toys get mouldy, they need to be specially steam cleaned to kill the mould spores. If you wash them in a washing machine, you risk contaminating the rest of your belongings – as the water may not be hot enough to kill the mould.

Why not download our handy graphic and send our tips to your tenants to make sure they’re prepared for the coming seasons.

For more great tips and advice, head to the learning zone on our website.