What are the legal requirements for extractor fans?

Extractor fans play a vital role in ensuring airflow and ventilation standards are met in properties. Their integration and maintenance are monitored by evolving regulations and legal requirements, so it’s crucial that housing developers understand their responsibilities to avoid the penalties, fines and legal repercussions associated with non-compliance. Read on to find out the role that different types of extractor fans play in property developments, and to understand the legal requirements landlords and developers must follow to ensure their safe and effective use.

Why are extractor fans so important?

Extractor fans are important as they help maintain a healthy indoor environment. They work to efficiently remove moisture caused by day-to-day activities like cooking, showering and washing/drying clothes. Their primary purpose is to prevent excessive humidity and dampness, which, if left unchecked, can lead to mould growth and damage to walls, ceilings, and furniture. Proper ventilation through extractor fans supports better indoor air quality by eliminating stale air, helping to remove lingering odours and prevent damp.

What are the different types of extractor fans?

Two main types of extractor fans are commonly used in property development: continuous running and intermittent fans.

Intermittent extractor fans: Intermittent extractor fans turn off and on throughout the day to control airflow. The extractor fans can be controlled by timers, switches or automatic sensors. One of the main benefits of intermittent extractor fans is that they only operate when needed, reducing energy consumption. This type of ventilation system is ideal for spaces where ventilation needs can fluctuate, ensuring fresh air without constant operation.
Continuous extractor fans: Continuous running extractor fans operate around the clock to ensure constant ventilation. These include Decentralised Mechanical Ventilation (dMEV) systems, which can be used in place of conventional extractor fans. One of the main benefits of continuous-running ventilation is that it constantly circulates and replaces stale air with fresh air. This constant cycling prevents moisture, helping to defend against common issues like mould in kitchens and bathrooms.

Legal requirements for extractor fans

It is vital that landlords and developers understand the legal guidelines for extractor fan installation and maintenance to ensure properties meet ventilation and indoor air quality standards. Different rooms where extractor fans are used (such as kitchens and bathrooms) each have their own unique requirements

Kitchen requirements:

Kitchens must have mechanical extract ventilation to remove moisture and cooking fumes.
Fans should extract a minimum of 30 litres per second over a hob, or 60 litres per second if installed in another location.
Larger, more powerful fans are typically required to meet these standards

Bathroom requirements:

Bathrooms are also required to have extractor fans in order to prevent condensation and humidity.
Extractor fans in bathrooms should have a minimum extraction rate of 15 litres per second.

In all rooms, proper positioning of extractor fans is crucial for easy maintenance, such as replacing filters and cleaning the unit. Accessibility should be a key consideration, particularly when ceiling-mounting an extractor fan. If fans are installed in ceiling voids they can become sealed off when ceilings are replaced, leading to difficult and costly renovations. Regulations stipulate that an extractor fan should be installed as high as practical in the room, but no more than 40cm below the ceiling. This ensures that the fan can operate efficiently whilst remaining easily accessible for future maintenance.

Are the legal requirements for extractor fans the same in rental properties?

The legal requirements for extractor fans are mostly consistent across rental properties, but feature specific regulations for new builds and major retrofits or refurbishments. Under Part F of the Building Regulations Act, extractor fans must be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture and odours are likely to accumulate. These regulations ensure proper ventilation and moisture control to prevent issues such as dampness and mould growth.

Landlords have a responsibility to provide adequate ventilation in their properties. According to the September 2023 guidance document “Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home,” landlords are fully accountable for ensuring proper ventilation. The Homes Act (2018) reinforces this responsibility, requiring landlords to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, which includes the provision of effective ventilation systems. Failure to meet these requirements can result in legal consequences and health risks for tenants.

How do legal requirements for extractor fans differ in new builds vs retrofitted properties?

Legal requirements for extractor fans differ significantly between new builds and retrofitted properties. In new builds, regulations are more stringent, often requiring mechanical ventilation systems like continuous mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) to ensure adequate air quality and energy efficiency. This is part of a broader push towards dMEV systems for housing developers, which offer a more sustainable, cost-effective solution for modern homes. For retrofit properties, the requirements vary depending on the property design, with developers needing to ensure that ventilation systems meet current building standards whilst working within the limitations of the existing property design.

What are the benefits of implementing effective ventilation with extractor fans?

There are a number of benefits to utilising extractor fans in new builds and renovations. For example, extractor fans can help you to:

Maintain air quality and living conditions

Extractor fans play a crucial role in reducing humidity, improving indoor air quality and maintaining healthy living conditions. By effectively removing excess moisture, they help prevent dampness, mould, and condensation, which can negatively impact both the property and occupants' health. By supporting air quality standards, extractor fans contribute to a safe and comfortable environment, promoting overall wellbeing for occupants and protecting landlords and developers from the legal implications of inadequate air quality.

Save money

Improved ventilation not only enhances air quality but also helps reduce the need for excess heating, which can prevent issues like damp and mould. By maintaining a consistent airflow, landlords and developers can avoid costly repairs caused by moisture damage. Proper ventilation also supports a more energy-efficient home, helping tenants to save money on energy bills. This proactive approach leads to long-term cost savings for both tenants and landlords, whilst still prioritising a healthy and safe living environment.

How can landlords and developers meet the legal requirements for extractor fans and ventilation?

Landlords and developers can ensure compliance with ventilation regulations by familiarising themselves with local building codes, which outline the requirements for extractor fans and ventilation systems. Accurate record-keeping is essential to ensuring that installations, inspections, and maintenance schedules are kept up to date. Regular maintenance and testing of ventilation systems should be carried out to ensure they are functioning efficiently. It’s crucial to choose high-quality extractor fans and ventilation systems that meet energy efficiency and noise reduction standards. This not only ensures legal compliance but also improves tenant comfort and reduces operational costs in the long term.

Extractor fans and ventilation with Airflow

Airflow offers a wide range of intermittent extractor fans, continuous running extractor fans and ventilation systems designed to the unique needs of different types of properties. Our trusted products effectively improve air quality whilst helping your developments remain compliant with the latest ventilation regulations. Take a proactive approach to ventilation—explore Airflow’s extractor fans and ensure your properties are well-ventilated and legally compliant.

Get in touch today to discuss the best solutions for your needs and get expert guidance on installation and maintenance.