Damp; landlord or tenant's responsibility

[claireybeemine]

When we moved into our house there was a large damp patch on one wall near a patio door and a couple of smaller patches elsewhere. There was also some mould on and around window frames.

We have very bad condensation so every morning I go around and wipe all the windows with a towel and open them wide for at least an hour. They are then left on the vent opening all day and only closed fully at night. The bathroom window is always opened after a bath/shower and the kitchen window is opened whilst cooking.

We also have a dehumidifier running 24/7

We don't dry clothes indoors (things are sometimes finished off on an airer but never hung inside from wet).

Despite all of this the damp patches are getting larger and multiplying and the window frames all have mould on them, I wipe them every couple of weeks with bleach but they are still black.

I have also noticed that the paint is flaking on some of the skirting boards near the patio door in the rooms where the damp is worst (these rooms are an extension).

Is the landlord likely to blame us for the damp? It is really quite bad...

What else can I do to minimise it?

nope, it would be his responsibility unless it was caused by something you had done, eg leaking washing machine etc. unless it specifically says in your lease you cannot dry clothes inside then i wouldnt worry too much about this. only thing you can do is wack the heating up, but that costs you money when its his problem.

Photograph it and email them to him on a regular basis with the note along the lines of: I thought I ought to let you know about the increasing damp problem in this property which seems to be getting worse despite me airing the house on every opportunity. I am a little concerned about 'x's (my/DH/DC- whoever's!) health as I'm not sure inhaling mould spores long term is a good idea.

IN this way you're a) doing your tenantly duty by informing him there's a problem in the house and b) making it clear you KNOW it's his problem!

I only say this because we're in exactly the same position. Some of the more inaccessible mould in THIS house is actually 3D it's so pronounced, but at least our landlord knows it's his problem!

I'm afraid after having looked into this with a solicitor it is the tenant's problem. Condensation is caused by human occupation thus LEGALLY it is the tenant's fault it occurs. However you can still try: tell the landlord about it and insist it is written on your records that you are not responsible for any damage to the wallpaper/wall etc. You can phone environmental health who may insist the landlord deal with it. It is usually caused by a poor or inadequate heating system apparently as well as lack of ventilation.

Sounds like you have a combination of condensation and penetrative or maybe rising damp. All should be his concern and he should be grateful you're bringing it to his attention. Are the biggest damp patches on exterior walls? If so, Could be there's defective render keeping moisture trapped and causing the damp. An easy trick is to run a key along the exterior render to check if it sounds hollow in any places - that would be where it would need replacing.

Move.

Quickly.

Absolutely ridiculous that a tenant is 'responsible'.

Another reason I hate renting in this country.

I completely agree Expat! We are only renting temporarily and can't move due to catchment issues. We have one room empty and kept shut because of mould in there. And no human occupation - no more mould! So it shows legally they are right - but I agree it is ridiculous.

Thanks everyone.

Treacletart, all the damp patches are on exterior walls apart from one that would have been an exterior wall before the extension was built iyswim

The patches that were there when we moved in are listed in the inventory so we can't be held responsible for those. I suppose I am hoping that they will use common sense and see that if there was damp before we moved in then it is a problem with the house not the tenants-not likely though is it?! (Although landlord is a reverand so maybe he'll be christian about it )

I would say something along the lines of: "We thought you should know that the damp noted on the inventory is getting worse despite our best efforts to keep the house aired and heated. We feel sure that you will want to protect your investment by having this looked into before it gets even more serious and the whole flat needs replastering and redecorating."

paint over it with that stuff that covers it up.

And next time, when you go and view a place, and it has any sign of damp, don't move into it.

Drive by it one morning. If the windows are all fogged up, give the place a miss.

I can't tell you how sick I am of renting in this bloody country.

So much so that I'd love to move.

It isn't very Christian letting a family live in a house with damp in the first place. If it is rising (due to structural issues) then it must me the land lord'd responsibility surely?