Does this look like damp?

david__g_2

Hi there,

I have recently received a house back from a tenant, and I noticed that the carpet in one of the rooms is heavily marked. I'm looking to claim against their bond money to replace it, but they are saying that they did not cause the marks from any spillage, and they believe that the marks are caused by damp. Apparently the marks "grew over time".

It is an old house, and the room does have a light smell of damp, but I am not convinced that these markings could have been caused from damp rising through the floor or something.

I'd basically just like to get the carpet replaced and move on as quickly as possible. Just wanted to get some advice from people who may be familiar with what damp looks like so I know that I'm not going mad!

Can't post images yet, so please take the space out of the link below to see the picture:

i.imgur.com/ mPduRQD.jpg

FreeBear

Suspended wood floor, or solid concrete ?

If a wooden floor, lift the carpet and check with a moisture meter - It should be less than 15% in this weather.

If it is a concrete floor, lift the carpet and put a DPM down before fitting underlay & new carpet.

Doozergirl

There's dampness. They've had furniture over that area? It would be interesting to see the whole room, not just that section, but that mould isn't going to grow on carpet without a large amount of humidity.

As well as freebear's questions, what is on the other side of those walls, what are the walls made of and which direction do the walls face?

That picture is the very reason I dread ever having to rent again. Whatever that is, it certainly isn't 100% their fault. I couldn't make that happen in my house if I tried.

Furts

You need to check the radiator and pipes for leaks. The radiator cover has received a bash, or it is poorly fitted, but it would be wise to check this carefully. Leaks may only be apparent when the heating is pumping water around, so get the heating on to check things.


The tenants could have spilled something, like kicking a bucket of water over, or washing a baby in a bath, or whatever. If this was left wet under furniture then mould is likely.

SG27

Did thry have a corner sofa there?

david__g_2

Thank you everyone for all your helpful replies. Great advice, and much appreciated.

Ganga

david__g wrote: »

Hi there,

I have recently received a house back from a tenant, and I noticed that the carpet in one of the rooms is heavily marked. I'm looking to claim against their bond money to replace it, but they are saying that they did not cause the marks from any spillage, and they believe that the marks are caused by damp. Apparently the marks "grew over time".

It is an old house, and the room does have a light smell of damp, but I am not convinced that these markings could have been caused from damp rising through the floor or something.

I'd basically just like to get the carpet replaced and move on as quickly as possible. Just wanted to get some advice from people who may be familiar with what damp looks like so I know that I'm not going mad!

Can't post images yet, so please take the space out of the link below to see the picture:

i.imgur.com/ mPduRQD.jpg

If you claim agains their bond money and you find out it is damp will you return their money? i only ask as my ex-daughter in law rents and would hate to see some one ripped off.