Insight into the challenges of ventilation in social housing
A recent study has revealed that social housing tenants are more than 11 times more likely to experience ventilation issues than plumbing issues, and almost five times as likely to experience ventilation issues as heating issues.
This is according to the findings of The Airflow Ventilation Challenges in Social Housing report, which analysed data on ventilation systems in social homes, as well as surveys of resident satisfaction.
Ventilation and insulation were identified as key areas for improvement, not only for resident satisfaction, but for their health and safety.
The report revealed that millions of social housing dwellings do not have mechanical ventilation systems in use, which could improve the properties’ ventilation and reduce risk of damp and mould.
Of the mechanically ventilated social homes analysed, the majority of these had ‘extract only’ ventilation (79%), with only 21% having ‘supply and extract’ ventilation installed, i.e. the system continuously both introduces fresh outdoor air and removes indoor air.
With almost half a million people receiving a new social letting in 2021/22 – an increase of 52,000 people from the previous year – that’s thousands of people moving into homes that could benefit from improved ventilation.
The study comes after Awaab’s Law received Royal Assent in the summer, requiring social housing landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould in their properties within strict new time limits. Further proposals went out for consultation in January, requiring landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days.
The study also revealed the top reasons that social housing residents were dissatisfied with their homes were mould, damp, condensation, insulation and ventilation.
Social housing providers are being urged to consult tenants on improving air quality. Simple actions like installing mechanical ventilation or sealing drafts could make a big difference to living conditions. Landlords can also educate their tenants on how to properly use installed ventilation systems, as well as on the need to ventilate properly in order to reduce associated risks.
Alan Siggins, MD of Airflow, says:
“Ensuring proper ventilation is essential in all homes, particularly social homes where the tenants are renting and unable to make structural changes to their living spaces, as poor ventilation can affect both the well-being of the occupants and the building itself.
“Our recent study has highlighted a gap in the energy performance of these homes and the ventilation available in these properties, despite the known financial and health pitfalls. Inadequate ventilation can lead to a build-up of moisture, which fosters mould growth and creates an environment conducive to various health and respiratory issues.
“With the introduction of Awaab’s law, landlords are now required to prevent growth and address existing issues in their social housing rental properties. Landlords can upgrade ventilation fans, install mechanical ventilation systems and seal gaps that allow drafts, among other improvements. It will depend on the property, so thorough checks should be run.”
