If you have a damp problem in a rental property, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Often, failure to act can lead to a much bigger issue down the line. The landlord may be responsible for treating the damp and covering any costs that may be incurred. Taking action early can minimize the amount of time that it takes to fix the damp problem, and it can also reduce the disruption to the tenants.
Landlords are responsible for the structure of the building
As a landlord, you are responsible for the structure of your rental property. You need to take care of any cracks or holes that may appear in the exterior walls. This can affect the safety of your tenants and the property itself. It is also your responsibility to make necessary repairs, such as replacing cracked or missing shingles, and other major repairs. Make sure that you report any damage to your landlord as soon as you notice it. You can also look for black mould or other signs of foundation problems. Use the housing disrepair calculator to check how much compensation you get in a claim.
As a landlord, you must keep your rental property in a habitable state. This means that you must make any repairs needed to make the rental property habitable, as well as anything else that is “reasonable.” A small leak in the roof isn’t a reason to replace the entire roof, but you should keep your rental property clean and safe from hazards.
Water supply
If you suspect that your rental property has a damp problem, your next step should be to contact your local council. They can send an Environmental Health Officer to inspect the property and enforce repairs if necessary. Damp problems can be caused by a number of things, including inadequate heating and condensation. However, landlords should try to prevent damp by offering their tenants helpful advice and installing equipment to prevent damp.
In some cases, damp can be caused by a tenant’s negligence, but it can also be caused by an inadequate water supply. This is particularly true of older properties. Research has shown that 35% of homes in England, Wales and Scotland were built before 1939. A leak in an old cast-iron waste pipe can cause damp problems in an older property, and even a tiny leak can build up over time. If the leak is not fixed, moisture can’t escape and seeps into other parts of the property.
Heating system
Insufficient heating is one of the main causes of damp and condensation in rental properties. To combat this, the landlord should ensure that he or she leaves the heating system on all day. Aside from this, tenants should try to avoid damp by not cooking and preparing food in pans without lids. Also, they should close bathroom doors after showers to avoid condensation.
If the landlord doesn’t repair the heating system, the tenant may be able to take legal action against the landlord. This is particularly important if the landlord’s heating system is not up to standard. This can lead to mould growth. Furthermore, mould spores can trigger allergic reactions and cause sneezing, runny nose, rash, and migraines. In such cases, the landlord may also be required to replace woodwork and plaster.
Leaking pipes
Leaking pipes in rental properties can be problematic for a landlord or a tenant. Water damages the property and can lead to liability issues. Additionally, if these problems are not addressed right away, they can lead to mould growth and health risks. However, there are some preventative maintenance measures that can keep the plumbing system of your rental property in good shape. If you notice a leaking pipe, you can contact a plumber and have the problem fixed as quickly as possible.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the property. This will allow the landlord or tenant time to address the problem and avoid paying for the repairs out of pocket. The next step is to contact the landlord to make arrangements for the repairs.
Condensation
A landlord’s responsibility for condensation and damp is a legal obligation, and this responsibility extends to rental properties. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the house is safe and dry and takes action if a complaint is made about excessive moisture. It may be difficult to control condensation in a rental property because of the tenant’s lifestyle, but there are easy ways to deal with it. Open windows, dry the washing outdoors and ensure that the heating is evenly distributed throughout the property. However, some tenants do not feel comfortable opening windows in winter and do not want to use the heating during their absence.
If a landlord is unable to prevent condensation and damp in a rental property, they should look at the cause of the problem and try to resolve it as soon as possible. Using an independent expert can help identify and address any repair issues that are caused by condensation. In addition, photographs can be used to document the condition of the property and can help a landlord assess the problem.
Retaliatory eviction
If your tenant has complained about damp in your rental property and you are facing retaliatory eviction, you may have grounds to fight the action. To do so, you need to gather all the evidence you can and document all conversations with the landlord and structural engineer. This is the key to winning a case in court. Keep in mind that revenge eviction is not a new issue, and the CAB published a report on it in 2007.
Retaliatory eviction occurs when the landlord responds to a complaint against the tenant by evicting them for complaining about a breach of the lease. Tenants who live in Assured Shorthold tenancies are most at risk for this kind of eviction because section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 does not require the landlord to give a reason for requiring possession. Thankfully, a 2015 change in the law has made this much less likely.
