AIBU to even thinking of renting a flat with damp?

[retiredpartygirl]

OK, I know the obvious answer is NO... But we just saw a flat we loved. It's a basement and the bedroom has a bit humidity in one of the walls. I said it was damp, the agent said it was 'a bit of humidity'). They also said the property is managed and they would fix it.

On the other hand, I think the agent lied to us in other things and had dollar signs in her eyes everytime they spoke.

The agent has good reviews on Google though.

Plese tell me what to do with my life!

[DragonsAndCakes]

What did it look like exactly?

[lidoshuffle]

I lived in a basement flat years ago and my clothes stank of mould (someone even said that to me .

Not that basement flats are always like that, but damp ones are horrible. Don't do it.

[retiredpartygirl]

I didn't take pictures, unfortunately. It wasn't awful, but certainly noticeable.

We lived in a flat with mould a few years back and my daughter had mild respiratory problems... I wasn't aware of the risk it meant until later. I was furious at myself.

This flat ticks every other box though.

[Snowysky20009]

DO.NOT.DO.IT!!!!

[jellyfrizz]

They won't fix it. If they could have fixed it they would have by now.
Damp is a Category 1 health hazard, they shouldn't even be trying yo rent it out until it is sorted.
And like lido says, it makes all your stuff smell.

[MatildaTheCat]

It’s empty for a reason. They can’t even control it for viewings.

Run.

[Katedotness1963]

I would not. Rented a place with a little damp and it was a misery. I had the windows open for hours in the winter because the agent said that would help. It was bloody cold, and the black stuff spread onto my furniture.

[Glumglowworm]

Don’t do it

Don’t believe promises of “we’ll fix it”, if they were going to then they would have already

I lived in a damp flat for a year (despite my best efforts with opening windows and using extractor fans), my bedding would feel damp, it was horrible (tiny studio flat so no option but for bed to be next to the wall). I had no option but to dry clothes indoors as no outside space and no tumble dryer, and that obviously didn’t help and things took forever to dry. I only coped because I knew it was only for a year.

[HateTheDF]

Just a warning. I lived in a flat with damp for a year and I have had issues ever since moving out 18 months ago. I've now got an issue with my lungs and currently undergoing even more tests.

I really wouldn't.

[DelphiniumBlue]

No, if its noticeable now, after they've presumably cleaned it up and tried to make it marketable, it will be much worse once you're living there.

[Mummyoflittledragon]

If you really love it, you’ll have to buy a dehumidifier. If it is permanent dampness, to be truly dry, it will need to be tanked. This is major renovation work and not something, which can be done with tenants living in situ. Having had a damp property tanked my advice would be don’t do it.

[bricksareheavy]

In my experience “fixing” it is basically the landlord hiring someone to come and paint over it.

We have ever so slight humidity problems on an exposed wall in our property over the winter period and manage to control it with a dehumidifier, although it can be bloody expense to run.

[DeathStare]

If it's just you then that's entirely your choice. If you are talking about taking a child with respiratory problems to live there, then that would be entirely unreasonable unless there are no other housing options. It may tick most boxes, but "doesn't make child ill" is a pretty big box that it doesn't tick. One that I would say out-weighs all other boxes.

[TheQueenOfWands]

No, no and no again.

I rented a damp house. Numerous chest problem, our clothes stank of damp and it was just generally unpleasant.

Would touch damp a house/flat with a barge pole.

[retiredpartygirl]

Thanks folks, you're the best. I won't be going to dampland anytime soon!

If anyone has a nice 2 bed with flat in NW london for up to £450/week take my money and run.

xx

[Battleax]

Sounds like a lying letting agent to me.

[Battleax]

London rents will just get worse. Can you move out and commute in?

[retiredpartygirl]

Thanks! xx

[expatinscotland]

NFW! They won't fix it. They couldn't even be bothered to do so for viewings. Walk away.

[MaverickSnoopy]

Came on to post and say nooooooooo!!! So glad to see you won't be.

If they were going to fix it they would have. Damp is a bastard!

[Fletchasaurus]

As pp, came on to say no, definitely no. I have mould induced asthma and have nearly died. It is not worth it!

[specialsubject]

Basement flats will always be damp. I know it is London but don't be that desperate.

Have you read how to rent? Are you aware of the new epc limits coming in? The slumlords will be scrambling to let the dumps while it is still legal.

[retiredpartygirl]

@specialsubject, I've been renting in London for the last 9 years. I know how bad it is. :(