11th February. National Standards.

I revisit the German tenant complete with a brand new dehumidifier.

She is waiting for me with a whole litany of faults, each requiring investigation.

One complaint is that the hot water smells funny.

She turns on the hot tap and cupping the water in both hands sniffs it.

Intrigued I follow the same procedure.

"I can't smell anything" I say.

"Maybe it's not hot enough but it smells really foul!"

Obviously the new tenant wants everything to be correct. This fastidiousness could be a national trait.

The previous occupants - Greek, never saw any cause for complaint.