A tenant in London has raised concerns about living in a rental property with non-opening windows amid increasingly frequent heatwaves, prompting questions over landlords’ responsibilities for ventilation and habitability. The resident reports that despite being informed at the outset that the windows do not open, the lack of adequate airflow has led to damp, mould growth, and sustained indoor temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
The tenant, who moved into the property earlier this year, initially assumed alternative ventilation systems would compensate for the sealed windows but found no such provisions in place. Efforts to manage moisture with a dehumidifier have been only partially effective, as mould persists. The inability to open windows also prevents the use of portable air conditioning units, exacerbating discomfort during extreme heat.
Seeking legal perspective, Daniel Stern, a partner at Slater Heelis Solicitors, noted that landlords are legally obligated to ensure rental properties remain fit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, irrespective of any prior disclosures or contractual terms. Ventilation is specifically cited in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as a critical factor in assessing a property's fitness. Persistent damp, mould, and excessive indoor heat are recognized health hazards that landlords must address.
Stern advised tenants experiencing similar issues to formally notify their landlord in writing, detailing the problems and requesting remedial measures. While landlords may not be compelled to install opening windows, they could implement alternative solutions to improve comfort and air quality. If landlords fail to act, tenants can escalate the matter to their local environmental health authorities, who have the power to inspect premises, classify hazards, and enforce corrective action.
Tenants are encouraged to document conditions through photographs and temperature logs to support their complaints. Practical suggestions to mitigate heat include using thermal blackout curtains, applying solar window films, and requesting the landlord’s assistance in acquiring fans or enabling the installation of air conditioning units.
The tenant also recounted earlier experiences with substandard housing conditions, including being shown a windowless room in a shared property without a formal lease arrangement, highlighting wider concerns about the quality and legality of some rental accommodations.
Given fixed notice periods, tenants may be required to remain in uncomfortable conditions for some time before relocating. Experts recommend beginning the search for alternative housing promptly to avoid prolonged exposure to unsuitable living environments as heatwaves persist.