Social housing tenants in the UK are more than eleven times more likely to experience ventilation than plumbing issues, and almost five times as likely to experience ventilation as heating issues.
The findings from the recently released Ventilation Challenges in Social Housing report commissioned by Airflow draw on data from the UK government's Social Housing Residents Survey, confirming millions of social housing dwellings do not have mechanical ventilation systems in operation.
Of the mechanically ventilated social homes analysed, the report's authors found a majority 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 Local Authority or Housing Association tenancy in 2021/22 – an increase of 52,000 people from the previous year, thousands of people moving into homes could benefit from improved ventilation.
The report follows the introduction of Awaab’s Law in the summer, which requires social housing providers 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.
Around a third of tenants in social housing are dissatisfied with their landlord's handling of complaints - with a further 20 per cent reporting they are not consulted on decisions that impact their home according to a government data. In turn, this implies landlords might better educate tenants about any installed ventilation systems, and about the need to ventilate properly to reduce associated risks.
Listening to social tenants
Around a third of tenants in social housing are dissatisfied with their landlord's handling of complaints - with a further 20 per cent reporting they are not consulted on decisions that impact their home according to a government data.
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.
In turn, this implies landlords might better educate tenants about any installed ventilation systems, and about the need to ventilate properly to reduce associated risks.
“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.”
