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Damp can be caused either by condensation (which is easier to deal with) or structural defects with the property. 

Damp caused by condensation:

This damp tends to be worse in winter and can cause paint to peel or create mould patches. Bathrooms and kitchens tend to be most affected by it. 

As a tenant you are responsible to take steps to prevent it. Here are a few things to do: 

• Always use the extractor fan (if you’ve got one, usually in the bathroom) or open a window when cooking/having a shower (remember to shut it afterwards)
• Cover pans when they’re boiling
• Dry clothes outside or in a room with an open window 
• Keep heating on a low constant heat to get rid of cold surfaces
• Have gaps between furniture and the walls (e.g. beds/wardrobes) to let air flow freely 

Damp caused by structural defects:

This damp tends to look more like a stain and can be around skirting boards of the ceiling rather than windows. It can be caused by a leaking roof or guttering or other ways water is getting into the fabric of the house. 

This is the landlord’s responsibility. Contact them and ask them to inspect, always put your request in writing and include a time limit, of about five working days, or if water is coming into the property 24-48 hours. 

To help try avoid housing that is known for being damp when house hunting you can use:

Rate Your Landlord aims to allow students to talk about their personal renting experiences and for others to learn from them, becoming savvy, safe and happy renters. Many students are brand new to the world of private renting, so other people's opinions can be a useful tool. Rate Your Landlord is here to provide an open, fair and balanced forum for tenants to have their say, for landlords to respond, and for students to learn what's what in the world of renting. We want students to share both good and bad experiences. The more reviews posted, the stronger the website becomes. You can learn about how your potential landlord has handled deposits and guarantor through reading reviews on their website

Unipol runs a number of Codes. These are accreditation schemes which:

•   Set professional standards for student accommodation buildings and their management. Code members voluntarily commit to meeting these standards
•   Check compliance with those standards
•   Give students assurance and confidence about the quality of what they are signing up for when they opt for a Code property
•   Give students a robust complaints process if things go wrong.

All the Codes have been developed in partnership with their local universities and students’ unions