? Rising Damp in a rented house

In_For_A_Penny_2

Apologies if this gets asked all the time.

We are currently in a rented bungalow and this will be our first winter there. It’s actually a very nice bungalow and was in great condition when we moved in.

Since the wet weather we have noticed quite a bit of damp around the windows at the front of the house. More worryingly there appears to be patches of damp coming up through the carpet in the living room.

There was no sign of this when we moved in in May (although we did note the bottoms of low hanging curtains were damp stained suggesting it may have been a problem and perhaps the owners had cleaned or replaced the carpets).

Just wondering what we should do? Should I inform the EA (it’s a managed property). I don’t want to risk leaving it and being held liable for damages at the end.

Any thoughts on who’s responsibility this is to fix? And will a simple carpet clean at the end sort it out??

caringa

Firstly you do need to inform the letting agent asap, as it will probably only get worse. Then, depending on what they discover, it will be up to the landlord to foot the bill, as long as it isnt obviously something you have caused.

From our experience as landlords, the usual complaint from our tenants is that the walls can be damp/mouldy but upon investigation it is normally because the tenants do not ventilate the property and have wet washing hanging around. However, from what you have said, it doesnt sound like this is the problem in your case.

Good luck!

Old_Git

have a look around the outside of the house for blocked gullies drains ect .Anything that could cause damp.If there is no sign of anything you could fix yourself then contact the agent.

SG27

Old_Git wrote: »

have a look around the outside of the house for blocked gullies drains ect .Anything that could cause damp.If there is no sign of anything you could fix yourself then contact the agent.

Fair enough have a look yourself but I wouldn't go doing any DIY repairs. Unless it's something very small. You could cause more damage by mistake or bodge a repair. Let the landlord sort it out.

dimbo61

Write a Letter to the Letting Agents and Landlord and sent two copies from different post offices with proof of posting informing the agents / landlord about the rising damp.( not recorded delivery)
Point out that when you moved in you noticed water staining on the curtains but this was not a problem during the summer months.
Do you have heating on in that room ?
Not drying clothes in the room
Which have an article about a Best Buy dehumidifer this month and might be worth getting one.
Take photos and email to the letting agents asking for urgent inspection and repair to stop damp to property and your furniture/clothes.
You MUST write a letter and keep copies to stop LA/LL taking any money from your deposit. No Letter No Proof you informed LA/LL

dimbo61

Can you check the gutters ? Any water pouring down the walls when it rains?
Garden not higher than the damp proof course ?
No blocked grids or water against walls ?

ali_hire

dimbo61 wrote: »

Write a Letter to the Letting Agents and Landlord and sent two copies from different post offices with proof of posting informing the agents / landlord about the rising damp.( not recorded delivery)...
...You MUST write a letter and keep copies to stop LA/LL taking any money from your deposit. No Letter No Proof you informed LA/LL

Why do they need to send a letter at all? Let alone from two different Post Offices? What will that achieve?

I'd be inclined to as Old Git suggests and see if you can identify the root of the issue.

If it's a leaking guttering or a blocked drain outside you may well find yourself in an argument about paying a contractor's bill because it's something which is your responsibility to deal with.

I would absolutely let them know though. A phone call followed by an email will be more than sufficient at this stage. Tell them you've noticed an issue and you're just making some initial checks like a good tenant.

From the sound of it it might be something more serious if it's coming up through the carpet but at least you've taken proactive first steps.

Pete9501

ali_hire wrote: »

Why do they need to send a letter at all? Let alone from two different Post Offices? What will that achieve. .

Give the impression to the EA and LL that they have a panicky tenant that will be on the phone every time there is a creek in the house when the wind blows

An e mail with some photos attached will probably be more useful to the EA and LL.



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In_For_A_Penny_2

Thanks for all the replies. . . I think I will explore the guttering today - it should be fairly accessible though I haven't noticed any overflow.

I've already bought a dehumidifier to see if this helps but will call the EA on Monday and email some photos. We're fairly laid back about things and don't jump up and down every time there is some minor issue but I'm mindful this isn't my property and don't wish to risk any major damage.

dimbo61

Just thinking about the tenants deposit !
If you point out in a letter with proof of posting the LA/LL cannot claim you " Did not act in a tenant like manner " by reporting a serious problem with rising damp in the property.
Fancy having £400/500 deducted from your deposit for damaged curtains ?
Or water damaged carpets !
Write first and follow up with emails /photos

sandsni

Check that the walls around the outside are kept clear of leaves and other debris too as that can prevent the natural drying out of walls around ground level.