Damp problem

Rosemary7391

Hi everyone,

I've an ongoing problem with damp in the corner of my kitchen, which I think is due to problems outside. The worst affected wall is between the two windows, there's a little bit of mould on the outside wall that formed behind a picture, but my kitchen is well ventilated so it doesn't stay damp now I've moved the picture. However the internal wall looks rather sorry for itself, I assume it is a different construction to the outside wall so is affected differently.

You can see the inside here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cggan5ra0d5lc43/20160429_082748.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k0a76fuzg0m5eox/20160429_082821.jpg?dl=0

And this is the outside - my windows are the lower set in both pictures. You may not be able to see but there is some pointing missing in the discoloured patch.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/85hv4ninnegu78k/20160421_145735.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nlsxxwfnx6qbppk/20160421_145743.jpg?dl=0


The factor sent someone to look at the problem a couple of months ago who went upstairs and said that the window sill had deteriorated and had no pointing, which was a private issue. I understand that this has been sent to the owner of the flat upstairs.

I have various questions!

1. Would the lack of pointing around my window not be part of the problem? The factor seems to think not...

2. Would my neighbour have had to get scaffolding or something to fix the windowsill (2nd floor)? I'm not sure if it has been done or not, and it's difficult to tell if the damp inside is getting worse (water takes a long time to seep through foot thick stone walls!).

3. What would I need to do/who should I ask to fix my wall inside? A plasterer perhaps? I'm obviously reluctant to do this until I know there is no more water coming through...


I only have an address care of a lettings agent for the owner upstairs so can't just go and talk to them. It'll have to be a letter and I'd like to understand a bit more before I start writing.

Thanks in advance for all your help!