damp due to soil/damp course

[dawn789]

I have a garage wall at a property i rent to a couple which now is very wet and appears to have water coming through it. On the outside of the wall, the garden rises up the side about 2-3fr and this appears to be the cause - penetrating damp.

I am wondering if I need to have this damp course done, I am not sure if it is already there but imagine not, or if it would be OK to either:
1. Dig out the soil etc at the side and out some sort of plastic/membrane along the side of the wall to fix it. Or;
2. Dig out the soil at the side and create gap, building another retaining wall a small space away with a leaf guard over it so there is air around it.

Your thoughts on the most suitable and cheapest way would be appreciated!

 

[Burnerman]

Either way Dawn, get that soil away from the brickwork, right down to and below the original DPC.
Maintain a permanent air gap if you possibly can. Who owns that land, incidentally?
John