Student Accommodation: Unique Damp and Mould Challenges

Student accommodation—whether purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), university-managed halls, or private HMOs—faces particular challenges with damp and mould. The combination of high occupancy, unfamiliar responsibilities, and seasonal vacancy patterns creates conditions that require proactive management.

Why Student Housing Is Different

High Occupancy Density

Students often live in compact spaces with multiple occupants:

• Shared kitchens with frequent cooking
• Multiple showers/baths per day per property
• Clothes drying indoors (no gardens, limited facilities)
• Higher moisture production per square metre than family homes

First-Time Independent Living

Many students are living independently for the first time:

• Limited understanding of condensation causes
• May not recognise early mould as a problem
• Unfamiliar with heating and ventilation systems
• May not know what or when to report

Cost Sensitivity

Financial pressures affect behaviour:

• Reluctance to use heating due to energy costs
• Properties kept cooler than ideal
• Windows closed to retain heat even when humidity is high

Seasonal Patterns

The academic year creates unique challenges:

• September arrival: High occupancy coincides with autumn humidity
• Christmas vacancy: Heating off, cold property, potential for freeze damage
• Summer vacancy: Extended unoccupied period with limited inspection

Common Problem Scenarios

The Freshers' Mould Wave

A pattern seen annually in many student properties:

• Property empty over summer, aired and dried
• Multiple students arrive in September
• High moisture production begins immediately
• Outdoor humidity still elevated (autumn)
• Heating not yet in regular use
• Mould appears within 4-6 weeks

The Drying Clothes Problem

Without gardens or dedicated drying facilities:

• Clothes dried on radiators or airers
• A single load of washing releases 2+ litres of water
• Multiple students means multiple loads weekly
• Windows closed because "it's cold"

The Closed Door Kitchen

Communal kitchens with poor practices:

• Cooking without extraction (fan off or broken)
• Kitchen door closed while cooking
• Steam from multiple meal preparations daily
• No opening windows or windows kept closed

Prevention Strategies

Arrival Information

Educate students from day one:

• Welcome pack guidance: Simple explanation of condensation and mould
• Video content: How to use ventilation and heating
• Induction sessions: Especially for halls with wardens
• Reporting instructions: How and when to report issues

Building Design and Equipment

Reduce reliance on perfect behaviour:

• Automatic extraction: Humidity-triggered fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Trickle vents: Background ventilation that can't easily be disabled
• Adequate heating: Systems that maintain minimum temperatures affordably
• Drying facilities: Communal drying rooms reduce in-room drying

Proactive Monitoring

Don't rely solely on student reports:

• Environmental sensors in at-risk rooms
• Alerts when conditions become concerning
• Intervention before visible mould develops
• Data to support conversations about behaviour

Regular Inspections

Schedule access throughout the year:

• Early term checks (November) to catch developing issues
• Mid-year inspection during spring term
• End-of-year checkout with condition assessment
• Summer void period for any remedial works

Managing the Void Period

Summer Vacancy Risks

Empty properties need attention:

• Reduced ventilation when windows closed
• No heating to moderate humidity
• Any residual moisture continues to cause problems
• Leaks may go undetected for weeks

Void Management Protocol

• Initial inspection: Assess condition at end of tenancy
• Treatment if needed: Mould wash and redecoration
• Ventilation: Ensure trickle vents open, consider dehumidifiers
• Monitoring: Sensors remain active during void
• Pre-arrival check: Confirm property ready before new intake

Communication That Works

Know Your Audience

Students respond to:

• Short, clear messages (not lengthy documents)
• Visual content (infographics, videos)
• Digital communication (apps, social media, email)
• Peer messaging (student ambassadors)

Avoid Blame

Students already feel uncertain about their rights:

• Don't assume problems are always behavioural
• Investigate before attributing cause
• Provide solutions, not just criticism
• Remember they may not have encountered these issues before

Make Reporting Easy

Students are more likely to report if:

• Reporting is available online/via app
• They can upload photos
• They receive confirmation and updates
• They're not made to feel responsible

Regulatory Considerations

HMO Licensing

Many student houses are HMOs requiring licences:

• Minimum room sizes apply
• Kitchen and bathroom ratios specified
• Fire safety requirements
• Licence conditions may address damp and ventilation

HHSRS

Student properties are subject to HHSRS assessments:

• High occupancy may increase hazard scoring
• Student age (over 18) doesn't eliminate vulnerability considerations
• Councils can and do inspect student housing

Consumer Protection

PBSA providers should be aware of:

• Consumer Rights Act implications
• OIA complaints for university-managed accommodation
• ANUK/Unipol Code requirements

The Business Case

Reputation Matters

Students talk to each other:

• Social media amplifies complaints
• Review sites affect future lettings
• University accommodation rankings matter
• Word of mouth influences choice

Cost Implications

Reactive management is expensive:

• Mould treatment between tenancies
• Rent rebates for affected students
• Compensation claims
• Reputation damage affecting void rates