Damp Problem, Landlord unhelpful

[gb155]

Morning all,

I live in a private rented house, for 2 years inthe winter we have had damp, Last year we treated the inside walls and redecorated the house, This year its starting to come back strong as ever, Yesterday I informed the landloard of past issues and the new problem and asked for help, He said "ohhh it doesnt sound like dam, more like condensation, Ring me when it rains and I will take a look" Now we hant had any heating on nor has it been raining but the problem is here with us now, is he just fobbing us off? I have health issues, my wife has ashtam and we have 2 kids so its not ideal, any suggestions would be appreciated,

Thanks.

[Olly300]

In many rented properties people don't ventilate the place or heat the property properly leading to condensation problems that look like damp i.e. not opening a bathroom window when having a shower, drying lots of clothes in doors. This is why your landlord has said it looks like condensation.

I suggest you find out yourself whether the problem is damp or condensation, and then confront the landlord with the evidence.

Have a read here:
Private Sector Housing - Damp and Condensation

BTW every local authority seems to provide information on damp as they tenants who contact them about the problem.

[gb155]

Originally Posted by Olly300

In many rented properties people don't ventilate the place or heat the property properly leading to condensation problems that look like damp i.e. not opening a bathroom window when having a shower, drying lots of clothes in doors. This is why your landlord has said it looks like condensation.

I suggest you find out yourself whether the problem is damp or condensation, and then confront the landlord with the evidence.

Have a read here:
Private Sector Housing - Damp and Condensation

BTW every local authority seems to provide information on damp as they tenants who contact them about the problem.

First off, Thanks for your email, However at the risk of sounding rude I know what damp is, I have done research, I would not have spent money last year decorating aomeone elses house without making sure what I was treating.

Also why do you say that "In many rented properties people don't ventilate " Is this something that only happens in rented houses, Saying that oh your a tennant so you dont ventelate or heat the place is just a little rude to be honest, Are you a landlord ? You sound just like mine did this morning.

[MrShed]

Well, theres an attitude no one wants to help!

Like it or not, there is a tendancy for tenants generally not to ventilate properties as they should. It was not for one moment suggested that you did not, just that tenants tend not to. Please dont bite the hand that is trying to help.

[gb155]

Originally Posted by MrShed

Well, theres an attitude no one wants to help!

No not at all The last thing I have is an attitude, But I felt like I was being talked down to just like my landlord spoke to me, As I said in my OP I know its damp I need help because my Wife and kids will suffer and I have many health problems myself, Just trying too hard maybe to show its not down to me and if I come across rude then its 101% unintentional.

[MrShed]

I dont see in what way you were talked down to, olly appeared to gave a factual and impartial view, and subsequent advice. Anyway - not to matter.

As you have researched it etc, what is causing the damp? Is it penetrative, rising, etc?

[gb155]

Its Rising

[MrShed]

OK, have you contacted environmental health regarding it? I would suggest either contacting EH, or getting a professional in to assess the job, and instruct the landlord that you will perform the work and deduct the cost from the rent, following due procedure. Due to the scale of the work, can I STRONGLY suggest the former. Be aware that there is a good chance of you getting evicted should you force his hand to do the work - unfair, but the case.

[gb155]

Originally Posted by MrShed

OK, have you contacted environmental health regarding it? I would suggest either contacting EH, or getting a professional in to assess the job, and instruct the landlord that you will perform the work and deduct the cost from the rent, following due procedure. Due to the scale of the work, can I STRONGLY suggest the former. Be aware that there is a good chance of you getting evicted should you force his hand to do the work - unfair, but the case.

Thanks you for that

And your right I was harsh and Olly and Olly I am sorry, Please forgive me.

[MrShed]

No problem, hope it works out. Sorry for my rather abrupt response also

[gb155]

Originally Posted by MrShed

No problem, hope it works out. Sorry for my rather abrupt response also

No problems, I did sound like an utter **** just hope Olly is as forgiving, Thanks again.

[Olly300]

No problem.

Your post didn't make it clear that you had already found out what kind of damp it was.

BTW Evidence from local councils who are large landlords, shows complaints about damp from tenants is a common problem otherwise they wouldn't produce all the information and leaflets on the issue.

MrShed's advice is right and the CAB have produce a report showing that if tenants ask for repairs then landlords will often try and evict them. If you want more advice on where you stand in regards to the law you can look at shelter's website Shelter: Home page then contact them for more information.

[Ed999]

As to the landlord's powers to evict, read this thread: http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...-eviction.html

As to the landlord's repairing obligations, read this thread: http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...mmodation.html



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