Insufficient Lighting in Rental Properties

Light makes space feel brighter and more cheerful.

Insufficient lighting in rental properties could potentially create a safety concern and uncomfortable living environment for tenants and affect mental wellbeing.

It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to provide adequate lighting for their tenants, as it falls under fitness for human habitation (FFHH) Act, therefore, any faulty fixtures should be addressed, and any additional lighting should be provided where necessary – particularly if poor lighting poses a safety risk for navigating stairs, hallways, and potentially hazardous areas. 

Insufficient lighting, flickering lights and glare can all result in adverse physical health problems, including grogginess, sleepiness, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, headaches, migraines, fatigue, poor sleep quality, memory disruption, cognitive confusion, and eye strain. Bone health, heart health and increased body weight have also reportedly been associated with those with less exposure to light.

What can be done about insufficient lighting?

Tenants experiencing insufficient lighting in their rental property should consider whether it is a small task to rectify, or an FFHH issue before contacting their managing agent or landlord.

Buying additional lamps or changing lightbulbs is usually the responsibility of the tenant – unless specialised lightbulbs are required. Light bulbs could be replaced with slightlybrighter and more efficient LED options to brighten their rental property. Of course, access to natural lighting is best, but if this is not possible, introducing warm lighting to living space is advised wherever possible. Fluorescent lighting should be avoided, as it can cause agitation, leading to stress and anxiety, and lack of light is also linked to Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD) and depression.

Additional light sources could also be added to closets and dark areas.

When choosing simple additional lighting for a rental property, you can consider things like: 

Floor lamps that cast light from a higher level and increase the overall brightness, 

String lights that can create a cozy atmosphere.

Pendant lights with C hooks that plug-in with cord to hang them without the need of hardwiring.

Other things to consider helping brighten dark rooms are maximising the windows by avoiding heavy curtains that block out light.

Not cluttering living space with too much furniture and take advantage of as much natural light as possible.

Using glossy or satin paint finishes on walls and furniture to reflect light.

Glossy tiles, cabinetry and mirrors can help bounce light around the room.

Incorporating light and bright décor, such as colourful cushions and pictures help to brighten the living space.

Can proptech inspection software play a part?

Proptech can not only play a part, but with more agents relying on it to stay FFHH compliant, due to stringent regulations, it is becoming a necessity in today’s rental sector.

Our seamless automation software with reminders ensures that you stay compliant, so you never miss a deadline, and certificate renewals will never be overlooked.

To assist agents in managing property inspections to identify issues early, KPR has software that includes a Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) manager, with a built-in tracker for the nine elements of FFHH:

• Repair
• Stability
• Freedom from damp
• Internal arrangement
• Natural lighting
• Ventilation
• Water supply
• Drainage and sanitary conveniences
• Facilities for storage, preparation, and cooking of food and the disposal of wastewater.

KPR provides agents with branded help sheets with their company logo and colours to offer to their tenants, along with a property self-assessment Midterm and repairs reporting tool for tenants, to help speed up the repairs process. It allows the tenant to fill out a report and upload photos and videos, using their unique property QR code exclusive to their property by using their smartphone to send directly to the managing agent. This will then assist the agent in selecting the relevant contractor without having to book appointments to visit the property. This speeds up the communication process between the managing agent and tenant, and ensures any issues are rectified methodically.

At KPR we understand the demands of the industry and strive to address the issues agents and property owners face. We have our own in-house development team with knowledge on modem technology and methodologies, which keep KPR current, and always focusing on the next level.

If you would like to speak with us about how we can assist you and your business, feel free to speak with our helpful team today!

0208 542 2333

hello@kpr.global