How long does a landlord have to fix damp?
Introduction
How long does a landlord have to fix damp? Excess dampness, water damage and mould fundamentally compromise rental suitability for occupation. But in the inevitably lengthy processes of property repairs, how long can landlords legally take to remedy hazardous moisture issues reported by tenants?
Emergency Works – 24 Hours If flooding suddenly damages walls, plaster crumbles from saturated ceilings or leaks immediately threaten electrics, landlords must initiate emergency works within 24 hours under housing law. This includes:
- Erecting protective scaffolding in deluged rooms
- Securing dangerous hanging damp debris at risk of collapse
- Preventing short-term electrical fires, gas leaks etc
The priority lies in preventing urgent threats of collapse, electrocution or inundation from worsening across properties.
Urgent Repairs – 5 Working Days If moisture issues like patches of rising damp or mould don’t pose imminent catastrophe but still require prompt attention, landlords have up to 5 working days to begin substantive repairs. Applicable fixes include:
- Setup of drying equipment like dehumidifiers
- Mold removal and applying sealing treatments
- Commencing wall plaster repairs after initial drying out
- Spraying anti-fungal solutions
Full Moisture Rectification – 28 Days Maximum Ultimately, housing regulations compel landlords to fully treat original defect causes within 28 days in most damp scenarios. Only for extensive works like cellar tanking or sand cemented floors might longer periods apply. But tenants should see active solutions not ongoing deterioration four weeks post-notification.
Conclusion: Left unchecked, excessive housing moisture triggers untenable decay. Landlords must adhere to short-term and long-term legal repair deadlines while keeping tenants informed on progress. Where they continue to overlook duties, local environmental health teams introduce further enforcement powers.
Our expert team have a wealth of experience dealing with all forms of disrepair issues stemming from Councils and Housing associations failing to live up to their duty of care.
Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact
Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/
