Basement damp?
Hi there, I am the freeholder of 5 flats in a building. The basement flat was sold about 14 months ago and the leaseholder now is going to sell the flat to her mother, but according to a surveyor’s visit she says there is a damp in the basement (in part of the hallway).
The flat has been converted and its completion had been signed off about beginning of 2015. There is no damp proof warranty, but the builder has done the damp proofing and tanking.
Please, help me and advice me, who is responsible for the amendment work, freeholder, leaseholder or from service charge?
Regards
Khosro
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Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286
10:03 AM, 4th July 2018, About 8 years ago
First of all I would start by going back to the builder to see if there is a fault they are willing to repair out of goodwill and reputation.
Normally building repairs would I assume fall under costs incurred for service charges.
If you can tell us a bit more about the damp problem please I will get Greg from Envirovent to see if he has any tips for you as I was just talking to him this morning.
Member Since July 2018 - Comments: 1
6:11 PM, 6th July 2018, About 8 years ago
Hi Khosro, often “Damp” in basements is caused by a lack of ventilation – this can result in mould, damp / wet walls, mustiness and poor air quality. The good news is this can all be resolved. We are able to offer a free survey where we can assess the basement and ascertain if it is a ventilation issue or otherwise. If you would like to arrange a survey – please contact me at [email protected] and I will be happy to help organise. Kind regards Greg
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 49
8:22 AM, 7th July 2018, About 8 years ago
Very difficult issue, much depends on the lease terms as you could argue it is the lessees problem if it is just the plaster that is damp as most leases say the plaster belongs to the LH. However it is likely to be more complicated as the British Standard (can’t remember no) reccomends a drained cavity in the walls and floor with usually a pump for basements and the builder may not have followed this requirement