Landlord Damp Reports: What to Record

When a tenant reports damp or mould, a clear record helps you understand what’s happening and decide what needs investigating. These steps can organise the information; they don’t diagnose the cause on their own.

A damp patch, mould growth or musty smell can have more than one possible cause. Keep a factual record of what the tenant has reported, what you can see and what steps have been taken. Avoid assuming the cause before the evidence has been assessed.

A simple six-point record

1. Note when the issue was reported

Record the date, who reported it and which rooms or areas are affected. Keep the tenant’s description in their own words where possible.

2. Take clear, dated photographs

Take a wider photograph to show the location, then a closer one to show the detail. Record the date and room for each image. If the appearance changes, take another photograph so you can compare the pattern over time.

3. Ask when and how it changes

Note whether the patch appears after rainfall, following use of a bathroom or kitchen, or during colder weather. Ask whether there have been recent leaks or changes to heating or ventilation. These details are useful context, but they do not prove a cause.

4. Check the surrounding area

Record visible conditions nearby, such as a window, pipe, bathroom fitting or external wall. Where it is safe and accessible, note any relevant external observations, such as a gutter or pointing defect. Don’t access roofs or other unsafe areas.

5. Keep a timeline of actions

Make a brief note of visits, inspections, repairs or other steps taken, including dates and the outcome. Keep copies of relevant messages, invoices and contractor notes with the property record.

6. Record what happens next

After any work, note what was done and whether the affected area changes. If the problem returns or remains unexplained, further investigation may be needed to identify the underlying cause.

Don’t let record-keeping delay action. If the reported issue appears severe or needs prompt attention, arrange an appropriate assessment and response rather than waiting to build a complete diary.

Why an independent inspection can help

Condensation, ventilation issues, leaks and defects to the building can produce overlapping symptoms. An independent damp inspection can assess the visible evidence, take moisture readings where appropriate, consider ventilation and explain likely causes and practical priorities. A meter reading by itself cannot diagnose the problem.

NW Snag Surveys provides independent landlord damp and mould inspections, with photographic evidence and clear actions. I don’t sell damp-proofing treatments or repair work, so the inspection is focused on the findings and advice.

Read about landlord damp and mould inspections.

Arrange an independent damp inspection

Message Andy with the property postcode and a brief description of the issue to discuss the right inspection.