Student life is full of deadlines, lectures, and the challenges that come with living independently, often for the first time. The last thing you need while you’re trying to enjoy university life is the added stress of dealing with damp and mould. Unfortunately, student housing often gets a bad rep for issues like condensation, damp, and mould, all of which can negatively affect your health and your quality of life.
Understanding why damp occurs and how to tackle it is the first step toward creating a healthier living space. That way, you can focus on your studies, have fun, make memories, and not worry about whether your house is doing more harm than Friday night drinks!
Spotting Signs of Damp
Identifying the signs of damp and understanding its cause is the first step toward addressing the problem. Here are the common signs to look out for:
- Musty, damp smell
- Peeling wallpaper or paint
- Discoloured patches on walls or ceilings
- Excessive water droplets on windows or walls
- Dark patches of mould on walls, floors, ceilings, or around windows.
- White residue left on walls and floors (tidemarks)
- Cold walls
- Increased humidity in the air
Types of Damp
There are three main types of damp that you might encounter in your student house:
1. Condensation.
Condensation is the most common type of damp. The main signs are excessive water droplets running down the windows or walls, or dark mould forming on windows or behind furniture. This typically occurs due to inadequate heating or poor ventilation.
2. Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when groundwater is drawn upwards through brickwork via ‘capillary action.’ If you notice moisture at the base of the wall, especially with a tide-mark (often up to 1m above floor level), it could be rising damp. Newer homes typically have a damp-proof course, but older houses may not, or these protective measures may have been compromised over time.
3. Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is caused by external defects that let rainwater enter the property. Common issues include:
- Defective roof coverings
- Poorly maintained gutters, drains, and downpipes
- External vegetation affecting the property
- Cracked render or external coatings
- Defective mortar joints and pointing
- Broken masonry or permeable brickwork
- Defective seals around windows and doors.
Who’s Responsible? Your Landlord’s Role
If the damp is caused by structural issues, faulty installation, or a lack of ventilation, your landlord is typically responsible for fixing it. This includes:
- Structural Issues: Leaking roofs, cracked walls, rotten window frames, or a damaged or ineffective damp-proof course (DPC).
- Faulty Installations: Leaking pipes, blocked gutters or problems with the heating system.
- Lack of Ventilation: Lack of extractor fans or windows and doors that don’t open properly.
Who’s Responsible? What Can You Do?
Unfortunately, if damp is caused by condensation, your landlord may argue it’s the result of everyday activities rather than a structural issue. To help prevent condensation from turning into a serious damp problem, and to demonstrate that you’re taking reasonable steps as a responsible tenant, here are some practical tips you can try to reduce condensation in your home.
- Ventilate after bathing or showering: Open a window or use an extractor fan if you have one. It’s also worth keeping the bathroom door closed while the room dries out to prevent damp air from spreading to other areas.
- Ventilate while cooking: Open a window when boiling or steaming food and put lids on pots and pans to reduce moisture in the air.
- Leave space around furniture: Avoid placing furniture, bags, or boxes directly against walls. Instead, leave a small gap to allow airflow, as mould can easily develop behind them.
- Keep the property heated: Try to avoid leaving the home unheated for long periods (e.g., during the holidays), as this increases the risk of damp and mould forming.
- Use thermostats, not radiator switches: Instead of turning radiators off completely, use the thermostat where possible to manage the heat more efficiently.
- Dry clothes wisely: Avoid drying clothes directly on hot radiators. If you have to dry clothes indoors, use a drying rack and open a window to let moisture out.
- Be plant-aware: Houseplants release moisture into the air, so if your house is packed with them, make sure to air out the room regularly.
- Act on signs of damp early: The best way to show you’re doing what you can to sort out any damp issues is to notify your landlord as soon as you notice the signs, and follow up if they don’t respond – there are steps you can take to escalate the issue if needed.
- Use mould and mildew remover: If you choose to use shop-bought products to remove mould, always follow safety instructions carefully and don’t attempt any treatment if you’re not confident or comfortable doing so.
Top Tips for When You’re Viewing a Property
If you’re nearing the end of your current tenancy and starting to view new student houses, it’s a smart move to use those viewings to suss out whether the property has or is likely to have a damp issue during your tenancy.
- Keep an eye out for telltale signs like steamed-up windows, black mould in corners, peeling wallpaper, or damp patches on walls.
- Make sure to check for working extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen, as well as cooker hoods and other types of ventilation (these are all good signs that the property is equipped to handle moisture).
- Take a look at the outside of the house, too. Damaged guttering, cracked downpipes, or deteriorating brickwork are all signs that water could get in. Essentially, if the outside of the house looks in rough shape, the inside is likely not far behind!
- Be alert to potential cover-ups. Fresh paint or wallpaper can look great, but if you also notice an excessive use of air fresheners or dehumidifiers in every room, it could be a sign that the current tenants are trying to mask something.
Top Tip: If you get the chance to speak to someone living in the house, don’t be afraid to ask them if they’ve had any problems with damp. One honest conversation could save you from major issues further down the line. And remember: don’t let letting agents rush you, take your time, ask questions, and trust your gut!
Already Renting a Student House with Damp Problems?
If you’ve moved into a student house and previously concealed damp problems start to show through, it’s important to act fast and understand where responsibility lies. As we’ve already mentioned, if damp is caused by condensation and the house has adequate ventilation, the landlord may argue it’s your responsibility. If the issue is due to structural problems, your landlord should, in theory, sort this out.
Start by doing everything you can to reduce condensation: open windows regularly, keep heating on at a low, steady level, use extractor fans and avoid drying clothes indoors where possible. Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed, lids on pans, and don’t block any vents.
If the problem persists, document everything. Take photos, especially after rain, and keep a diary of the damp’s progression. Record who you’ve contacted, when, and what was said, and try to get responses in writing rather than over the phone..
If the cause is structural, such as leaks, missing damp proofing, or defective insulation, this may fall under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System or Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
If your landlord fails to act, it may be worth contacting your local council’s Environmental Health department, which can inspect the property and issue legal notices for repairs. As a last resort, the council can even fine the landlord or take them to court. For further advice, you can visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
Remember…
It’s important to know your rights and stay confident, even as a student. Do what you can to manage condensation and encourage your housemates to do the same. But if you’re living with damp and you’re unhappy or concerned it’s affecting your health, contact your landlord as soon as possible, explain your concerns clearly, and take it from there. University is supposed to be some of the best years of your life – don’t let damp ruin the experience!
Reference: https://www.permagard.co.uk/advice/student-guide-dealing-with-damp