Ventilation Compliance — Understanding Part F
Poor ventilation is one of the main causes of condensation, damp, and mould in tenanted properties.
This page explains how Approved Document F (Part F of the Building Regulations) applies to social housing, what you must do to stay compliant, and how good ventilation protects your residents and your organisation.
Why Good Ventilation Matters
When properties lack proper ventilation, excess moisture from everyday activities like cooking, showering or drying clothes can’t escape. It settles on cold surfaces and creates condensation — the perfect environment for black spot mould to grow. Part F makes it a legal requirement to provide adequate airflow in all homes. Non-compliance can lead to disrepair claims, tenant complaints, and health risks that may fall under Awaab’s Law.
What is Part F?
Part F of the Building Regulations sets out minimum standards for ventilation in new and existing dwellings. It covers
Whole dwelling ventilation
Ensuring a continuous fresh air supply throughout the home.
Extract ventilation
Fans in wet rooms like kitchens and bathrooms to remove high moisture.
Background ventilation
Trickle vents in windows or passive vents in walls.
Common Compliance Pitfalls
Many social landlords fail to meet Part F because:
Existing fans don’t meet required extraction rates.
Vents are blocked, sealed or switched off.
Systems have been poorly installed.
Residents turn off noisy or energy-inefficient fans. We call this ‘nuisance running’
Your Ventilation Compliance Checklist
Survey all existing extractor fans and vents.
Make sure extraction rates match the minimums in Part F.
Install tamper-proof, filterless fans where misuse is common.
Maintain and service systems regularly.
Educate tenants on how and why to use fans properly.
Best Practice Ventilation Solutions
To stay compliant, consider:
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems to create whole-house airflow.
Smart or tamper-proof filterless extractor fans that are easy to maintain.
Properly sized trickle vents and background ventilation.
How We Help Social Housing Landlords
Domestic-Air Ltd works with landlords to survey existing stock, supply and install compliant systems, and keep everything serviced to ensure long-term compliance. Our specialists understand the practical challenges of working in tenanted properties.
CONTACT US Book a Survey
Not sure if your properties meet Part F? We’ll assess your extractor fans, trickle vents, and whole-house airflow — and recommend upgrades if needed.