26
Simon Trenerry,
Ventilation has always been important to maintaining healthy buildings, but for social landlords and their property teams it is receiving renewed attention in recent months for a pivotal reason. Since October 2025, Phase 1 of Awaab’s
Law has required social landlords in England to investigate and address within prescribed timescales, alongside From 30 November 2026, Phase 2 will extend the requirements to a wider range cold and excess heat. Although not coming into force until 2035, The Government’s new Decent Homes Standard will also introduce an explicit criterion that both social and
private rented homes should be free from damp and mould. The direction of travel is clear: identifying and addressing the conditions that contribute to damp and mould is becoming increasingly important. Ventilation is a key part of that picture, but having ventilation installed does not necessarily mean a property is being ventilated effectively. Here are 6 common ventilation mistakes
to avoid, and how to get on the right track: 1. Treating ventilation as an afterthought Ventilation should not be considered independently from the rest of the building. This is particularly important when properties are upgraded to improve Measures that make a building more
airtight can reduce heat loss, but ventilation must be considered alongside them. If moisture generated inside the property cannot escape effectively,
humidity can increase and condensation and mould may follow.
fabric should therefore prompt consideration of their impact on ventilation. 2. Assuming an extractor fan means the job is done The presence of an extractor fan does not necessarily mean adequate ventilation, by the standards of Approved Document F, is being achieved. Fans and grilles can become clogged,
components can fail and systems may not perform as intended. Maintenance teams need to ask not just whether ventilation is present, but whether it is working effectively and remains appropriate for the building and its use.
Extract ventilation relies on replacement air being able to enter and move through a property. Vents, such as trickle or wall vents, can be blocked or closed, while
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