Here's the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:
Q: Damp
and mould is building up in our house as the weather gets colder. Our living
room is the worst and there’s a strong smell, so we’ve stopped having friends
round. We’re also concerned about our health. We’ve reported it to our
landlord, but they haven’t done anything. With six months left on the
occupation contract, we’re running out of options. What should we do?
A: You’ve
done the right thing by bringing this to your landlord. To work out if they are
responsible you’ll need to find the cause of the damp and mould, but this can
take time unless there’s a clear cause, like bad insulation or a leaking roof.
Damp is
when an area of your property doesn’t dry out, often because it’s cold. The
main types are rising, penetrating, construction, and condensation damp. It can
lead to mould, which is a fungus that grows in areas where warm damp air
condenses on cold surfaces, like window frames. Information on our website can help you work out what type of
damp you have, who is responsible and what you can do. You should also check
your written statement for mentions of repairs and damp.
Your
landlord is responsible for fixing a damp problem if it’s making your home
unsafe to live in. For example, this could be if it’s affecting your health or
the health of those you live with. Your landlord will also be responsible if
the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if the window
frames are rotting. They would have to cover the cost of repairs to any items
damaged by the damp, including carpets and furniture.
Condensation
is a key cause of damp we’re all familiar with. Keeping homes well-heated and
well-ventilated is the best way to prevent this, but for many of us today, high
heating costs and cold weather are making this very difficult. If you’re finding it hard to insulate and heat your home, check our website
to see if you’re eligible for support.
Always
avoid doing anything that can make damp worse, as it may affect whether the
landlord takes responsibility for repairs. Our website
has advice on what to avoid, like drying clothes on heaters, blocking air
vents, or using portable gas heaters.
You may
reach the point where you just want to get out of your occupation contract
early, but remember this can be very tricky and there might be things you
haven’t tried yet.
For
example, if your landlord is responsible for the damp in your home but doesn’t
do anything, there are steps you can take, like reporting them to the local
authority. And as a private renter, if you’ve got evidence from a health
professional that damp is making you ill, you may be able to get free legal advice
through Legal Aid.
If
you’re feeling stuck, always speak to your local Citizens Advice or call our
Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 for personalised support.
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