Damp problems escalate quickly. A small patch of black spots in the corner of a bathroom can become a full-room mould remediation within six months. Routine inspections are where most of these are caught in time.
The early warning signs
- Black spots in the corners of bathrooms and behind furniture against external walls.
- Peeling paint or bubbling on plaster.
- A musty smell in a room that is otherwise tidy.
- Condensation patterns on windows in the morning.
What to record
Photograph from a fixed reference point so the same area can be re-photographed at the next inspection. Note the room temperature and any obvious lifestyle factors (drying laundry on radiators, blocked vents).
Acting early
A short letter to the tenant explaining ventilation, alongside a tradesperson quote for any underlying repair, often resolves the issue before the next visit. Ignored, it does not resolve itself.
