Ventilation as a tenant’s obligation – but is that really enough?
Many tenants wonder how much they actually need to ventilate to avoid trouble with mould and potential claims for damages. According to case law, it is reasonable to expect tenants to ventilate their flat thoroughly twice a day. However, in modern or refurbished buildings, this rule is often no longer sufficient. In this article, you’ll find out why this is the case, what obligations exist and how window rebate vents makes everyday life easier for tenants.
What are tenants’ obligations regarding ventilation?
The courts have set out clear guidelines:
- Thorough airing twice a day is considered reasonable and is expected of tenants.
- Leaving windows slightly ajar is generally not sufficient, as this results in too little air exchange and leads to energy loss.
- Windows should be opened wide for a few minutes to replace stale, humid air with fresh air.
In this way, the tenant bears a certain responsibility for regulating the humidity in the flat in such a way that no mould damage occurs.
Why is traditional shock ventilation often no longer sufficient?
In older buildings, ventilation used to be simpler: a certain amount of air exchange took place automatically through draughty window joints. Modern or refurbished buildings, on the other hand, are tightly sealed to save heating energy. However, this means that moisture from cooking, showering or drying laundry can no longer escape naturally.
The result: despite regular ventilation, mould can occur. This is where many tenants find themselves in difficulty through no fault of their own.
How can a window rebate vents help tenants?
Window rebate vents these are small components that are fitted into the window rebate and ensure continuous, user-independent basic ventilation.
Their benefits:
Automatic air exchange: Fresh air flows in in a controlled manner 24 hours a day, without the tenant having to take any action. Protection against mould: Minimal ventilation prevents moisture build-up and reduces the risk of mould. No draughts: Modern window rebate vents feature self-regulating flaps. If wind pressure increases, they close automatically – thus maintaining living comfort. Support with tenants’ obligations: window rebate vents do not completely replace intermittent ventilation, but they provide enormous relief by taking over the basic ventilation.
Tenants’ obligations & landlords’ interests – a sensitive issue
mould in the flat is often a point of contention between tenants and landlords. Whilst tenants are obliged to ventilate regularly, landlords must ensure that the flat is technically designed in such a way that it remains habitable and free from mould without disproportionate effort.
Window rebate vents can play a key role here: they relieve tenants of the burden, protect landlords and contribute to a permanently healthy indoor climate.
Conclusion: Useful in almost all modern windows
A window rebate vent is always a sensible choice when windows close very tightly – whether in new-builds, refurbished older properties or following façade renovation. Anyone wishing to ensure a healthy indoor climate in the long term and prevent mould should specifically opt for this small but effective ventilation solution when replacing windows or undertaking building projects. Ideally, a ventilation concept should be drawn up in accordance with DIN 1946-6. These can be prepared, for example, by energy advisers, planners or, in some cases, by the window manufacturer.