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In its latest column for Caerphilly Observer, charity Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent explains what can be done if you suffer with damp and mould problems in a rented property.

Damp and mould is building up in our house as the weather gets colder. Our living room is the worst and there’s a strong smell, so we’ve stopped having friends round. We’re also concerned about our health. We’ve reported it to our landlord, but they haven’t done anything.
With six months left on the occupation contract, we’re running out of options. What should we do?

You’ve done the right thing by bringing this to your landlord. To work out if they are responsible you’ll need to find the cause of the damp and mould, but this can take time unless there’s a clear cause, like bad insulation or a leaking roof. Damp is when an area of your property doesn’t dry out, often because it’s cold.

The main types are rising, penetrating, construction, and condensation damp. It can lead to mould, which is a fungus that grows in areas where warm damp air condenses on cold surfaces, like window frames.
Information on our website can help you work out what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can do. You should also check your written statement for mentions of repairs and damp.

Your landlord is responsible for fixing a damp problem if it’s making your home unsafe to live in.
For example, this could be if it’s affecting your health or the health of those you live with. Your landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if the window frames are rotting.

They would have to cover the cost of repairs to any items damaged by the damp, including carpets and furniture. Condensation is a key cause of damp we’re all familiar with. Keeping homes well-heated and well-ventilated is the best way to prevent this, but for many of us today, high heating costs and cold weather are making this very difficult. If you’re finding it hard to insulate and heat your home, check our website to see if you’re eligible for support.

Always avoid doing anything that can make damp worse, as it may affect whether the landlord takes responsibility for repairs. Our website has advice on what to avoid, like drying clothes on heaters, blocking air vents, or using portable gas heaters. You may reach the point where you just want to get out of your occupation contract early, but remember this can be very tricky and there might be things you haven’t tried yet. For example, if your landlord is responsible for the damp in your home but doesn’t do anything, there are steps you can take, like reporting them to the local authority.

And as a private renter, if you’ve got evidence from a health professional that damp is making you ill, you may be able to get free legal advice through Legal Aid.

• If you’d like more advice contact Citizens Advice consumer service online at CitizensAdvice.org.uk or call its consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.