laws in renting

[Vics128]

Just wondered if anyone could help.
The property that we rent is very damp, and all of the external walls become black very quickly (on the inside). The walls that I can get too, I wash reguarly, but the ones hidden by furniture are just getting blacker and blacker.
I have two kids that both have breathing problems, and the problems in the house seem to aggrivate them. We didnt know how damp the house was when we moved in. My husband is a builder and says its a huge job to damp proof the whole house, so its not just a case of getting a bit of work done. Are we in our rights to demand it done..?
Also the stair case is very open, with just two rail running parelel with the stairs. my baby is soon to be on the move, and he will easily be able to climb through onto the stairs. Although we knew what it was like when we moved in, are we within our rights to ask for a more secure banister to be put in place? TIA

[daffy654]

If your husband is a builder surely he could fit a banister himself in an afternoon???
It is the landlord's responsibilty to sort out the damp problem though.

[Vics128]

If you have ever been married to a builder you would know that getting them to do stuff on your own home is`like getting him to pull his own toe nail out!!! Also, as its not our own house, would he even be allowed to..

[Vics128]

Sorry going back to the damp problem, is it something we can demand, or just request and hope he chooses to do it?

[daffy654]

Your hubby would be allowed to fix the banister with the landlord's permission.........I can't see that being a problem as the LL won't have to pay for labour costs!
I don't know whether you can demand that the damp problem is sorted but maybe a word with your council environmental health officer would clear that one up for you.
If all else fails you may have to look for somewhere better to rent :(
If your children have breathing problems they must live in a damp free house. I have asthma and emphysema so I know how damp can affect them,I understand your being worried and I hope you manage to make your LL sort it out for you.

[bednobs]

do you do everyhing you can to minimise the damp? do you have windows open (especially in bathroom)? dont dry washing indoors? What about using a dehumidifier?
i would be inclined to open a dialouge with the landlord, but don't go demanding. You are within your "rights" to ask for anything - the landlord isn't forced to comply with what you want though