Most of us during our lives will encounter damp in our abode, and let’s face it, no one wants to have to deal with it. We find ourselves either procrastinating about getting it assessed, or are panic-stricken that the walls are going to fall down! But who is responsible when it comes to rental properties, the tenant or the landlord?

So there are several types of damp that can cause headaches for tenants and landlords alike. These are condensation, rising damp and penetrating damp. Older proper properties are fairly prone to experience any of these problems. If a damp scenario arises it needs to be investigated by having a damp survey carried out, this will establish the cause of the problem and what needs to be done to eradicate it. Damp often has a habit of leading to more serious problems, such as black mould or sometimes even wet and dry rot which alarmingly can have devastating effects to the structure of the property.

Does it seem like the question regarding damp and where the responsibility lies still hasn’t been answered? Probably because it hasn’t…let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The confusion when it comes to damp usually is due to people not knowing the differences. So, from a legal perspective, if the cause of the issue is due to rising or penetrating damp, then that is down to the landlord to get sorted…music to the ears for all tenants! However, there is always a however right? Condensation usually causes the biggest disputes when it comes to damp in rental properties. This is because it is very difficult to pinpoint who or what is the cause of the problem. It can often arise by the occupant’s lifestyle, examples being insufficient ventilation or not keeping the property at consistently warm temperatures.

Has this dealt with the damp debate? The Landlords and Tenants Act 1985 is the legislation that is referred to if necessary. PJJS Management Services, however, is a specialist letting agent in Maidstone, with over 40 years of residential letting experience. Their aim is to offer tenants bespoke, hands-on approach, ensuring tenants don’t have to worry about tedious topics such as the dreaded damp.