Hi Everyone,
My first time posting on here so apologies if this is covered or in the wrong place.
I am the leaseholder of a flat which I rent out - as is usual, we don't own the outer building and pay maintenance and service charges.
I had been renting out the flat but had always had a fairly minor damp issue - some flaking paint on a wall that would be periodically re-painted. I decided as we had a break in tenants to get it properly investigated as it seemed to be getting worse. 3 surveys confirmed there was rising damp with a defective Damp Proof Course and the pointing on the outer 2 walls was letting in moisture.
The freeholder has agreed with the findings and will take on the work, but has said the following is not their responsibility:
Carpets (around 8 months old, will need to be ripped up for the work)
Re-plastering the interior walls which need to be chipped away to carry out the work
Repainting
2-3 months loss of rent
Council Tax
I have contacted Direct Line who have said this is not insurable as caused by a 3rd party who have admitted liability.
Does anyone have any experience of this and know what the precedent is?
Many thanks