Unreasonable Landlord

shaunnaob

deannatrois wrote: »

I wonder if environmental health have noted concerns about the state of the place and he is trying to pass repair costs onto you?

You may have a 'bad weather' facing wall on that side of the house, or a wall with insufficient insulation (I have had that problem, solved it by putting insulating wallpaper up but I wouldn't recommend this for a private tenant). It sounds like you are doing what could be done to prevent problems.

I wonder if you can ask to see the environmental health report?

Again, in a private rental, i was told damp in a bathroom was my fault, due to condensation in spite of best efforts to keep window open etc. I did point out it was oddly rectangular in shape, in line with roof tiles. Eventually the ceiling and roof fell in, all was repaired by LL and the 'condensation damp' never reappeared. The LL could have saved himself a fortune by repairing the roof when I started pointing out the problem rather than just blaming it on me (sneaky grin) lol.

Yeah its definitely a structural issue as its only the walls facing the outside that are affected. Its definitely not well insulated as i can constantly feel a draft when its windy outside

shaunnaob

FBaby wrote: »

You need to separate W&T from damage. Burn marks and other marks that can't be removed are not W&T. It doesn't matter whether the carpet is not great quality, it doesn't mean that damaging them is acceptable. The damage is the reason why some LL go for the cheapest carpets. You can expect that he will dispute and even though he wouldn't be entitled to the cost of changing the carpet, and the fact that it wasn't in a new/good condition in the place means that what he will be able to claim is minimal, he will still get something for the fact that you've damaged it.

Yeah as I said I'm happy to take responsibility for the burn, but he hasnt even noticed that. His complaint is about the general state of the carpet. I'm more than happy to pay for any damage I personally have caused but take issue with paying for things that are simply a result of poor quality furniture/structural issues

InterestedParty2018

Carpet issue aside - with regards to the condensation, I would suggest you write (documented) a letter to your landlord/Managing Agent explaining that you have concerns regarding the condensation (and subsequent mould) which is appearing despite your best efforts to control it. I would also list all the action you are taking (ie dehumidifier, ventilation etc.)

If you are genuinely taking all precautions to avoid condensation and the problem still does exist, there may be a building defect which needs attention.

Documenting these issues at the start and during the tenancy will put you in a better position at the end of the tenancy, should this turn out to be a nasty battle for the deposit to be returned.

Can I ask, you mention damp patches on the bedroom wall. Is this behind curtains/wardrobe or similar?
It is my understanding that condensation is airborne moisture (from cooking, bathing, laundry, breathing!) which attaches to cold surfaces. Windows are easy to spot and can be wiped down (or better still, windows kept open), but when moisture attaches to the wall (a porous surface), and there is no air movement (ie behind cupboards/curtains) to dry/remove the moisture, it will start becoming evident with mould spores.

Ventilation and air moment are the answer.

If you have random damp patches on a wall, I would ask if there is a leak perhaps which is causing it? Is it an external wall?

shaunnaob

InterestedParty2018 wrote: »

Carpet issue aside - with regards to the condensation, I would suggest you write (documented) a letter to your landlord/Managing Agent explaining that you have concerns regarding the condensation (and subsequent mould) which is appearing despite your best efforts to control it. I would also list all the action you are taking (ie dehumidifier, ventilation etc.)

If you are genuinely taking all precautions to avoid condensation and the problem still does exist, there may be a building defect which needs attention.

Documenting these issues at the start and during the tenancy will put you in a better position at the end of the tenancy, should this turn out to be a nasty battle for the deposit to be returned.

Can I ask, you mention damp patches on the bedroom wall. Is this behind curtains/wardrobe or similar?
It is my understanding that condensation is airborne moisture (from cooking, bathing, laundry, breathing!) which attaches to cold surfaces. Windows are easy to spot and can be wiped down (or better still, windows kept open), but when moisture attaches to the wall (a porous surface), and there is no air movement (ie behind cupboards/curtains) to dry/remove the moisture, it will start becoming evident with mould spores.

Ventilation and air moment are the answer.

If you have random damp patches on a wall, I would ask if there is a leak perhaps which is causing it? Is it an external wall?

Going to try my best to explain the layout so bear with me :rotfl:
the damp patches are worst up above the windows where the wall meets the ceiling, its an old house so has high ceilings and three windows that take up almost the entirety of the outside wall. There arent any curtains, just blinds, and the wardrobe is on the opposite side of the room.

This is where my explanation gets complicated, the room isn't just a simple 4 wall situation, there are small alcoves all around and the damp is worst in the corners of these that are nearest the windows

hope that makes sense??

need_an_answer

Upstairs room or downstairs?

Any sign of maybe a slipped tile on the roof or some flashing come loose?

Near a chimney where either bricks have blown or pointing missing?

shaunnaob

need_an_answer wrote: »

Upstairs room or downstairs?

Any sign of maybe a slipped tile on the roof or some flashing come loose?

Near a chimney where either bricks have blown or pointing missing?

We are the second flat of four, so there are two levels above us and one below. The chimney is in the living room so not that