Tenants reporting really bad condensation; what can I do?

[MumOfTheMoos]

They first reported this at the start of Autumn, having been in the flat since May. I got them a dehumidifier but told them all the things they needed to do to avoid condensation (like not leaving clothes out to dry, opening windows etc).

Apparently they have been doing all of this, cleaning the walls but everything is going mouldy and the dehumidifier is on 24/7 and they're desperate.

I'm going to try and find so done to go in and have a look to see if there is anything that I can do; they've asked me to paint the walls with special anti fungicide paint.

Thing is there was no evidence of damp when we bought the place and all through last winter when it was either being done up or waiting for a tenant. Originally I was going to sell the place on having done it up (beautifully by the way) but now, I'm really keen to keep on renting it out but don't wasn't a mouldy flat.

So, my questions are:

1. is there anything that could be causing this excessive condensation that I can do something about
2. what are their and my rights re liability for it. My understanding is that I am not liable for damage as it is their actions that are causing the condensation but what I really want is happy tenants and a dry warm flat.

Won't be in your area but there might be similar companies doing this around your way.

thecondensationdoctor.co.uk

I don't know if I'm allowed to post that. Will remove if not.

Having a bad condensation problem does not just mean tenants are not opening windows ets! And it can be difficult to expect people to not dry washing inside. .we had nowhere to dry washing outside. .and winter months its hard to keep windows open for ventilation when your trying to keep warm with a baby! Our mold problem was so bad I had to dry someof my washing at launderette, which was money we didnt need to be spending, then my mum took it and dried it for me..I was also ventilating and doing everything I could and still the green mold was appearing..turned out it was a problem with flat. As I said before its horrible to be living like that..im sure most tenants would be trying to do all they could to ventilate and help solve problem..before any more of their belongings turned green!!

First thing to check with bad damp is the gutters! Most damp problems are due to roof leaks or gutters leaking.

Also, how is the insulation and are they running the central heating? Cold will make damp problems like mould far worse.

And it can be difficult to expect people to not dry washing inside. .we had nowhere to dry washing outside. .and winter months its hard to keep windows open for ventilation when your trying to keep warm with a baby!

Yes, it is hard. However, where does the water from the wet washing go? It doesn't mysteriously vanish - it has to go somewhere and unfortunately, if not properly ventilated, that means damp problems.