House smells damp when it rains

Question

It has been raining a lot by us recently, and the flat we're currently renting smells damp whenever there's heavy rain. What is causing this and how do I go about getting it fixed? And are there any health implications of something like this?

John Paul · Answer

Hi obviously a leak from somewhere 
But you obviously need to contact landlord / agent

Mark · Answer

Hi Cheryl. This sounds terrible. You definitely need to tell and show the landlord. And yes this could have major health complications. Email them so to keep a record of all communications.
Hope things get sorted for you

Darren · Answer

A damp smell that becomes noticeable during or after heavy rain is often a sign of moisture getting into the property, which could be caused by issues such as leaking gutters, damaged roofing, cracked external walls, failed window seals, or penetrating damp. In some cases, poor ventilation can make the problem worse by allowing moisture to build up indoors, leading to mould and mildew growth that causes the musty smell. As a tenant, you should report the issue to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible and ask for a proper inspection to identify and fix the source of the damp rather than simply covering it up. Damp and mould can have health implications, particularly for people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions, and prolonged exposure may contribute to coughing, breathing issues, skin irritation, and poor indoor air quality.

Doug · Answer

Get a damp expert in it sounds like a roof issue if your on the top floor if it is damp then there will be mould and yes that’s a health issue

Martin · Answer

A damp smell that only appears during or after heavy rainfall is usually a strong indication that moisture is entering the property from an external defect, rather than being caused by everyday condensation alone. As you are renting the property, I would report the issue to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible so they can arrange for it to be properly investigated.
There are a number of possible causes, including damaged roof tiles or slates, defective lead flashing, blocked or leaking gutters, cracked pointing, damaged render, failed window seals, overflowing downpipes or defects in the external brickwork. Water can often travel through cavities and structural materials before becoming noticeable indoors, so the damp smell may not be directly beneath the actual point of entry.
If the property has a loft, it should also be checked for signs of water ingress, damp insulation, staining, mould growth or daylight coming through the roof covering. These are all common indicators that rainwater is entering the building.
A persistent damp smell should never be ignored. If moisture remains trapped within walls, floors or ceilings, it can encourage mould growth and timber decay over time. Mould can affect indoor air quality and may aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies, particularly in children, older adults and anyone with existing breathing problems.
My advice would be to ask your landlord to arrange a thorough inspection by an experienced contractor who can identify the source of the water ingress rather than simply treating the symptoms. Once the external defect has been repaired, the affected areas should be allowed to dry naturally before any redecoration or internal repairs are carried out. Addressing the source of the problem is always the most effective long-term solution.

House smells damp when it rains

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