Estate agents urge landlords to take action by checking ventilation and airflow systems as UK's heatwaves are forecast to continue. Property118 says tenants are being advised to help keep homes cool by using fans "safely and efficiently." This advice comes shortly after London's first ever heat plan is announced by Mayor.
Heat Ready London plan
According to the London Assembly, more than one million homes may be at high risk of overheating.
As a result, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, unveiled the Heat Ready London plan on 25th June during London Climate Action Week. He says the plan will require new-build homes to be designed to reduce the risk of overheating.
The Heat Ready London plan will include retrofitting homes (specifically those where tenants are vulnerable and within the high-risk category) to prevent indoor overheating, particularly in areas considered to be of high-risk.
Khan says new homes will be designed to stay cooler in hot weather using measures such as shading, ventilation and smarter design, helping to reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling.
The Mayor said: “Rising temperatures are no longer a future threat, they are becoming a growing reality for Londoners. It is affecting our communities, from homes and high streets to schools, hospitals and care services.
“That is why I am proud to unveil Heat Ready London, London’s first-ever heat plan. This is a new vision that will help tackle the huge obstacles we face with rising temperatures.
“No single organisation can address the scale of the challenge alone, so this is a call to action to our partners to use this framework to drive collective delivery so we can protect lives and strengthen the resilience of our city.
“Addressing overheating in much of London’s existing housing is a key priority and will require coordinated action across government, councils and the housing sector to keep Londoners safe and comfortable as temperatures rise”.
Estate agents on how landlords need to prepare for future heatwaves
Matthew Smith, managing director at Thornley Groves & Julian Wadden Estate Agents, is one of the estate agents urging landlords to take action.
He said: “Hot weather can have a surprisingly significant impact on rental properties, particularly in apartments and modern homes that retain heat. We would encourage landlords and tenants to work together to keep homes cool, safe and well-maintained during periods of extreme temperatures.
“As summers continue to bring more frequent periods of extreme weather, taking a long-term approach to property maintenance and preparedness will become increasingly important.”
Elliott Trodd, managing director at Charters Estate Agents added: ““Properties that are exposed to direct sunlight or have limited ventilation can become uncomfortable very quickly, and high temperatures can also place additional strain on fixtures, fittings and ventilation systems.”
Measures for landlords to take
With hotter weather increasing pressure on rented homes, landlords are being reminded to inspect and maintain ventilation systems, such as extractor fans and air conditioning units, to help keep properties cool and safe for tenants.
Alongside regular maintenance, estate agents recommend installing simple heat-management solutions, including thermal curtains, reflective blinds, solar-control window films and external shading, to minimise heat build-up inside rental properties
Trodd said: “Taking simple preventative measures now, such as improving airflow, checking equipment is working correctly and keeping an open dialogue between landlords and tenants, can help avoid larger issues later in the summer. Being proactive is the best way to protect both the property and the well-being of those living in it.”
What can tenants do to help?
Occupants are advised to look out for property damage caused by prolonged hot weather, such as warped floors, cracked walls and doors or windows that become difficult to open or close. Where safe, opening windows during the coolest hours can also help improve air circulation.
