Damp in a Private Sector Housing Property
Damp and Condensation can be an issue for all residents; social housing tenants, private rental tenants and owner-occupiers.
Please see our advice about dealing with damp and condensation in your home.
If you think you're dealing with condensation, read our advice about how to combat it.
Information for private rental tenants about standards of accommodation.
Advice and information regarding housing in the private sector.
There are 3 main forms of Damp:
The 3 main forms of damp are rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation.
Rising Damp
What is it?
Rising damp is when groundwater soaks up into the bricks or concrete of the building. It can affect basements and ground floor rooms.
This can be remedied by installing a damp proof course but might sometimes involve specialists and multiple repairs.
If you are a owner-occupier, you might want to consider employing a damp specialist to help identify the cause.
If you are a tenant, please speak to your landlord.
Penetrating Damp
What is it?
Penetrating damp is when water enters the property from outside, this can be caused by:
- a leaky roof
- faulty guttering
- cracks in external walls
- internal leaks or leaks from an upstairs neighbour (if in a flat)
- plumbing problems
Penetrating damp is resolved by finding and fixing the cause of issue.
If you are a owner-occupier, you might want to consider employing a damp specialist to help identify the cause.
If you are a tenant, please speak to your landlord.
Condensation
What is it?
Damp caused by condensation can affect any room of your home, but is more likely in rooms where you create more water vapour from things like showering, cooking, sleeping or just living, you can look for tale tell signs like water droplets on windows and a humid feeling in the air.
Consider alterative ventilation methods such as extractor fans and ventilation systems to try to remove the excess moisture from the air. If you're a tenant, please speak to your landlord about this.
If you're a Private Tenant
Landlords who let accommodation have a responsibility to ensure that it is maintained to a good standard of repair, this includes ensuring your home is free of damp and has adequate ventilation via windows and extractor fans.
You might be able to help resolve the cause of damp yourself, particularly if it is a consequence of condensation. You can read our condensation advice to see if there are any changes you can make.
If there are problems with disrepair, then you should contact your landlord first to give him the opportunity to put it right. However, if you are still unsure if your landlord is responsible or won't carry out repairs then please contact our customer services team for help and advice.
Contact Private Sector Housing
Tel: 01304 872397
Email: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk