Investigating Damp

deannagone

I have had a few problems with damp problems in rented properties.., one rental, mould on bathroom ceiling.  LL was determined it was me causing it in spite of the damp patches being an odd rectangular shape.  Window was always open.  Ceiling fell in, roof finally repaired, mould never returned in spite of terrible me still living there.  

Next place was council, bedroom very very cold, in spite of windows being left open even in winter AND running a dehumidifier when I was too cold to leave windows open full time.  Again I was told it was lifestyle (me).  Walls were very cold, never saw the sunlight because of the way the room faced.  I put thermal wallpaper up, room instantly warmer, walls instantly warmer, mould never reappeared and room was livable.

Also had damp lower down in the lounge here, facing the garden.  Patio area in front of wall.  When I renovated the garden I noticed the patio as originally laid probably was too high and a cause of the damp.  Lowered the patio a brick depth and damp disappeared.

I have damp in the downstairs bathroom.  Smells awful when you go down the stairs, bathroom directly upstairs leaked, fairly slow repair.  I did ask the plumber who came round to check under the floorboards but he didn't.  Just hoping it dries out eventually.  

Depending on where the damp areas are,  I'd check out  the roof, and for leaks above the area including  from the roof, check gutters for leaf build up/blockages or breakage.  Also check ground levels outside the property.

Been blamed twice now for 'lifestyle' causing damp.., and neither time was that the actual problem.  Just an excuse used by people who didn't want to order any work to be done.  I know sometimes it is, but I suspect not as often as is assumed because its easy to blame the tenant.