DAMP CARPETS - DESPERATE

[tapera]

We have a major problem.Our rented flat since April 2007, is on the first floor and is completely suspended as the area beneath the flat serves as the passage to another wing - our flat is a bridge between two wings. We obviously have major heating issues as we quickly lose heat through the floor but we enjoy the fact that we do not live in fear of making noise for neighbors. The flat has 3 exposed external walls in addition to an exposed floor. The flat has condensation problems due to the cold carpets and poor ventilation. We have tried to manage this by opening windows and de-humidifying (more energy costs) successfully but there is only so much one can do. I only noticed the problem after moving in as I moved during spring but could not move due to other timing issues and lease agreements bla bla bla. This year, during the summer, the property managers (not landlord) decided it was a good idea to do cavity filling, which will be no advantage to us since we lose our heat through the floor. They drilled through the outer walls and injected , whatever they injected. What I have noticed since is that we have started experiencing massively damp carpets even in areas we did not use to have problems.

I do not know whether there is a link. I am confused because at the same time due to a new baby we are doing a lot more indoor drying as we can't take baby clothes to laundrette where we take ours for drying. I need to approach my landlord but need a bit of technical back-up in case we are at fault somehow. November has been wet as well so there is a bit of other factors...our flat is the only one that is completely suspended in the block. Any ideas????

 

[leewill]

this is definatly your landlords problem and not yours, and i would suggest that you let him know that it isn`t healthy for a baby living in damp surroundings and that he should resolve this issue ASAP, citizens advice should be more than you need to give you the ammunition you need to give a kick up the ass, which he needs.....

 

[mointainwalker]

I don't believe the last respondent is correct. It is not definitely anybody's problem and is therefore likely to be legally complex.

The baby whilist likely to tug a few heartstrihngs is irrelevant.

As far as I know there are no heating/regulation with rented accommodation and you are stuck with what you have.

Only solution is to move - or to thraten to move - out.

 

[IJWS15]

Drying lots of clothes in unventilated area = damp.

What the cavity insulation may have done is seal some of the draught holes you were unknowingly relying on for ventilation.

If you have the ceiling height you could try insulating the floor, dry clothes in one room with the window open and try to keep the moisture out of the rest o f the flat.