Humidity

My rights

According to the Decree of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, a dwelling must not be affected by permanent humidity that causes visible damage to the walls, such as stains, blisters, or mold.

The obligation of habitability is not met in the following cases :

1 If there are water infiltrationsA water or humidity infiltration occurs when water slowly and discreetly enters a place where it shouldn’t be, such as inside the walls, ceiling, or floor of a building. This can happen due to rain, a leak, or a waterproofing problem. Over time, it can cause damage such as stains, mould, or even weaken the building’s structure. due to a waterproofing issueNot watertight: This means that an element (such as a wall, roof, or window) does not properly block water or air. It allows humidity or drafts to pass through. with the roof, walls, windows, or through pipes, rainwater drainage, or the heating system — whether the problem is within the dwelling or in another apartment.

2 If there is rising humidityRising humidity: This is when water from the ground rises into the walls, like a sponge soaking up water upwards. It makes the walls damp from their base. in the walls or floors.

If there is permanent condensationCondensation: This is when water vapour in the air turns into droplets upon contact with a cold surface (like a window or wall). This often occurs in poorly ventilated rooms. that is related the how the building is constructed, even when it is being used correctly. This means the dwelling is not overcrowded, the amount of humidity produced is normal for the type of room, and the ventilation is functioning properly to remove it.

To check whether you can take action against the humidity or if it is caused by the building itself, see the page “How to prevent humidity ?“.

What your landlord is not allowed to do :

Accusing you without proof or without an expert assessment.Expert assessment: The intervention of a qualified professional (often an expert) who evaluates a problem, such as damage or a dispute, and provides an objective report.

Example: saying “it’s your fault” without a professional diagnosis.

Ignore your problems.

 

Painting over the moldMold: These are microscopic fungi that appear as spots (often black or green) due to humidity. They can damage surfaces and harm your health. without addressing the cause of the problem.

If you have a conflict with your landlord, there are solutions ! Associations can also help you with these steps, and often that’s all it takes.