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Moved into new apartment - dampness- rights etc

  • 04-12-2010 2:35pm
    #1
    kraggy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭


    Hi, actually posting this on behalf of my girlfriend, and below is what she wanted to ask...

    "Hi, I just moved into an apartment on wednesday my bedroom is freezing and i just noticed today that the walls are wet.

    I rang my landlord as soon as i saw the soaked walls he said he was going to send a painter over i said that i really didnt think that would solve the problem and he then said he is planning to get the entire apartment block 'pumped', as in insulated. As i was leaving for the weekend i said i would speak to him on monday but that i was not happy to stay there if it was not fixed.

    It seems like a condensation problem to me. Basicially I would like to know what my rights are and what he needs to do to completely fix this and if not- can i get my rent and deposit back? thanks".

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    K.


Comments

  • #2
    Nolanger
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,556 ✭✭✭Nolanger


    Don't close every window in the apartment during the day.


  • #3
    MagicSean
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,897 ✭✭✭MagicSean


    There may not be much a landlord can do as it could be a building fault. Tell him to purchase a dehumidifer for you. It did wonders for the damp in my apartment.


  • #4
    Pkiernan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,310 ✭✭✭Pkiernan


    The dampness/condensation is being caused by warm, moist air coming into contact with the cold exterior walls of the apartment.

    Opening windows/dehumidifiers will only hide the symptoms and will not rectify the issue.

    Insulating the cavity wall, as the LL mentioned will probably solve the problem for your GF; however, this will cost the LL several thousand euro, and he might not be that willing to proceed with it.

    As to your GF's concerns:

    1. Condensation is a valid concern and if untreated will lead to mould growth which is considered to be detrimental to human health.

    2. If the apartment is not considered to be habitable, she has the right to break her lease and get her security deposit back.

    3. If she phones the Council with her concerns, they will come and inspect the property and make a determination as to if the LL is fulfilling his legal obligations.

    On another issue, did your GF receive a BER Certificate when she rented the property? The LL must by law provide one. This in itself is not grounds for breaking the lease.

    However, if she wants to leave, and the LL indicates that she will not receive her deposit back, I would inform the LL that I would be reporting him to the SEIA, and that he would then be subject to a €3000 fine and or imprisonment.


  • #5
    sfnch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭sfnch


    l/l and tenant disputes are the sole jusidiction of the PRTB. i would suggest contacting "threshold, the national housing oganisation". this organisation only advises on these issues and will advocate on your behalf right up to prtb tribunal and even high court if required. and all for free. great service!


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