Mould and damp are common problems in UK rental homes, especially flats. If left unchecked, they can damage property, impact tenant health, and even expose landlords to legal risk under regulations such as the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
The good news? Mould is preventable with the right ventilation. Single Room Heat Recovery Units (SRHRUs) offer a simple, energy-efficient solution that keeps flats dry, healthy and compliant.
Why Mould Is a Problem in Rental Properties
Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces—particularly bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes add moisture to the air. If this humid air can’t escape, it condenses on cool surfaces and encourages mould growth. Key contributors include:
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High indoor humidity from daily routines such as cooking, showering and airing clothes
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Poor ventilation, especially in sealed or modernised flats
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Leaks or damp materials like wet plaster, wallpaper, or wood
The consequences are serious: mould can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and stress for tenants, while also damaging walls, floors, and furnishings. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring their properties are free from serious damp and mould, and simply wiping it away isn’t enough. You must address the cause.
Why Ventilation Matters
Ventilation is the most effective way to prevent mould. Opening windows or using extractor fans helps, but only when used consistently. A more reliable solution is mechanical ventilation, particularly systems with heat recovery. These continuously extract stale, moist air and bring in filtered, fresh air, while retaining most of the heat to save energy.
How Single-Room Heat Recovery Units Work
Single Room Heat Recovery Units (SRHRUs) are compact, wall-mounted devices designed for individual rooms. They remove humid air, capture the heat, and bring in fresh air, pre-warmed to reduce heating demand. They run 24/7, are quiet, and easy to retrofit, especially in high-risk rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
InBuild UK’s Elta Flux HR and HR Plus+ units use ceramic heat exchangers and smart controls to optimise performance based on humidity levels. They improve indoor air quality and help prevent the cold, damp conditions that mould needs to grow.
Benefits of Single-Room Heat Recovery Units for Landlords
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Consistent Ventilation: Continuous airflow prevents condensation and mould, even when tenants forget to open windows.
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Energy Efficiency: Heat recovery reduces heating costs by up to 90% while meeting UK Building Regs Part L (energy conservation).
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Improved Air Quality: Built-in filters reduce dust, allergens and CO₂, improving tenant comfort.
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Flexible Installation: Easy to fit in single rooms without major renovations. Ideal for retrofitting older flats.
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Cost-Effective Maintenance: Low running costs, easy-clean filters, and minimal disruption. Cheaper than mould repairs or legal disputes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
SRHRUs align with UK standards:
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Approved Document F requires adequate ventilation in habitable spaces.
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Part L encourages heat-retaining systems.
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The Homes (FHH) Act mandates that properties be free from serious damp and mould.
Installing SRHRUs helps landlords meet these obligations while protecting their investments and improving tenant satisfaction.
Take Action with InBuild UK
Mould prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. By installing InBuild UK’s Elta Flux HR or HR Plus+ units, you can protect your flats, reduce energy use, and keep tenants healthy. These units offer an affordable, effective fix that pays off in fewer complaints, longer tenancies, and a stronger reputation as a responsible landlord.
Explore our range of energy-efficient ventilation units today and keep your properties dry, your tenants happy, and your investment secure.
