Social Housing & Ventilation Systems – Responsibilities.

Ventilation across social housing is an often under accounted for issue across the UK, with the average individual spending over 90% of their time indoors, indoor air quality and the importance of ventilation is coming to the fore.

Poor ventilation in homes and offices is a leading cause of negative or exacerbated health issues for residents and employees. Without adequate ventilation, airborne pollutants can build and lead to the growth of mould and damp.

Social housing residents are particularly susceptible to the issues surrounding inadequate indoor air quality, with the responsibility over who should be addressing the root causes of damp, mould and condensation throughout a property.

According to the Airflow report ‘Exploring Ventilation Challenges in Social Housing’ Ventilation challenges in social housing (airflow.com):

•  Only 1 in 5 mechanically ventilated social homes are fitted with supply and extract ventilation
•  Social homes are 14% less energy efficient than they could be
•  Social housing residents are 11 times more likely to experience ventilation issues than plumbing issues
•  The top reasons that residents were dissatisfied with their homes were: mould, damp, or condensation, insulation and ventilation
•  The average social housing dwelling has an energy efficiency rating of 67.9 (band D) - most new build homes have an EPC rating of A or B (81+)
•  With improved ventilation and heating, social housing could be 16% more energy-efficient

These issues are being combatted by updates to current legislation including the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act and the Building Regulations 2022. Landlords are now responsible for ensuring that homes are fit for human habitation and meet the health and safety requirements.

This means that putting in the correct ventilation systems to properties is their responsibility, but understanding what systems are going to be beneficial to the property whether a single dwelling or a full communal system can be can complicated and needs expert advise to pinpoint a full-service solution that is longstanding.

Residents are also responsible for making sure that the systems they have in place are being used, maintained, and fully functioning to protect the property.

If you are a landlord, resident or social housing provider and don’t know where to start on these issues, contact us for a free survey to provide a permanent solution to issues caused by damp, mould, and condensation.

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In the UK, ventilation is a critical aspect of social housing and work projects, and legislation plays a key role in ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of occupants. 

The responsible person needs to consider a number of legislative areas to keep residents and employees safe under UK law. 

Health and Well-being of Occupants:

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under the Housing Act 2004 sets out the standards for housing conditions, including factors that affect health, such as ventilation.

Condensation and Damp Prevention: 

Building Regulations in England, particularly Part F (Ventilation), specify requirements for ventilation to control condensation and dampness.

Energy Efficiency:

Fire safety regulations, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, may impact the design and installation of ventilation systems to ensure they do not compromise fire safety measures.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

Building Regulations, particularly Approved Document M, addresses accessibility and inclusivity requirements, including considerations for ventilation systems that   accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Noise Control:

Building Regulations may include requirements for noise control, and proper design and installation of ventilation systems can contribute to minimizing noise transmission.

Indoor Air Quality:

Building Regulations Part F sets standards for indoor air quality, specifying ventilation rates and system requirements to maintain a healthy living environment.

Legislation in the UK addresses ventilation across  projects to ensure that premises are safe, healthy, and comfortable for occupants. EFAM Air has the competence and technical ability to maintain all your projects and address your responsibilities.