NEWS

As the colder months set in, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to give their property a little extra attention. Winter weather can bring increased moisture, reduced ventilation, and a higher risk of damp and mould—problems that are much easier (and cheaper!) to prevent than to fix. To help you stay ahead of the season, here’s a quick set of practical tips to keep your home warm, healthy, and well-protected all winter long.

🏡 Handy Winter Tips to Prevent Damp & Mould

1. Keep Your Home Ventilated
Open trickle vents, use extractor fans, and reduce indoor clothes drying to cut moisture.

2. Maintain Steady Heating
A consistent low temperature helps prevent condensation on cold surfaces.

3. Clear Gutters & Downpipes
Remove leaves and debris to stop water overflowing and seeping into walls.

4. Inspect Roofs & Exterior Walls
Check for loose tiles, cracks, or gaps where water might get in.

5. Improve Insulation
Insulate lofts, pipes, and draught-proof doors and windows to keep heat in.

6. Manage Indoor Humidity
Use a dehumidifier if needed and keep furniture away from walls to allow airflow.

7. Look for Early Signs of Damp
Tackle musty smells, peeling paint, or dark patches before they spread.

8. Protect Cold Rooms
Warm unused rooms occasionally to prevent moisture build-up.

9. Service Heating & Ventilation Systems
A pre-winter boiler check and clean ventilation filters go a long way.

Big reforms are coming to the UK rental sector—aimed at boosting tenant protections and making homes more energy-efficient. The proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, alongside major changes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rules, could reshape how private rented properties operate in the next few years.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key changes, why they matter, and what both renters and landlords should be aware of.

🔍 Key Changes Explained

1. Stronger Tenant Protections

• The Bill will abolish “no-fault” evictions (Section 21), meaning landlords will need a valid reason to evict. 

• Rent increases may be more controlled: landlords could only raise rent once a year, and only to a “market rate.” 

• Tenants gain the right to request pets, and blanket “no-pets” bans will no longer stand (unless there’s a good reason). 

• Discrimination protections are strengthened: landlords will no longer be allowed to refuse renters simply because they receive benefits or have children. 

• A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will be introduced to handle disputes, making it easier for tenants to complain. 

2. New Energy Efficiency (EPC) Standards

• The government is consulting on raising the minimum EPC rating for privately rented homes to a “C” by 2030. 

• This is a big upgrade: currently, the minimum is E. 

• From 2026, EPCs will be reformed: new metrics will assess not just running costs, but also building fabric, heating efficiency, and smart readiness. 

• Landlords may need to invest between £6,100 and £6,800 on average to bring their properties up to the proposed standard, though there is a cost cap under discussion. 

• Implementation could be phased: the plan proposes new tenancies must comply by 2028, with all tenancies by 2030. 

• There may be some exemptions (e.g., very high-cost properties), and the government is also considering how to support landlords with costs. 

✅ What This Means for You

• For tenants: You could get warmer, greener homes and stronger protection from eviction or unfair rent hikes.

• For landlords: There will be up-front costs to improve energy efficiency, but potentially long-term value and lower running costs.

• For everyone: More energy-efficient homes could mean lower carbon emissions and reduced fuel poverty.