hUMIDITY
My rights
According to the decree of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, a home cannot be affected by permanent moisture that causes visible damage to the walls, such as marks, bubbles, or mold.
The obligation of hygiene and safety is not fulfilled in the following cases:
1 If there are water infiltrationsInfiltration: Water or moisture infiltration occurs when water slowly and quietly enters a place where it shouldn’t be, such as inside walls, ceilings, or floors of a building. This can happen due to rain, a leak, or a watertightness issue. Over time, it can cause damage such as stains, mold, or even weaken the building’s structure due to a watertightness issueWatertightness issue : The ability of a material or construction to prevent water, air, or moisture from passing through. Proper watertightness protects the property from leaks and infiltration. through the roof, walls, windows, or through pipes, rainwater drains, or heating systems—whether in the dwelling itself or in another apartment.
2 If there is rising dampRising damp: This occurs when groundwater rises up through walls, much like a sponge drawing water upward. It makes the walls damp from the base upward. in the walls or floors.
3 If there is persistent condensationCondensation: This occurs when water vapor in the air turns into droplets upon contact with a cold surface (such as a window or wall). It often happens in poorly ventilated rooms. related to the way the building is constructed while it is used under normal conditions. This means the dwelling is not overcrowded, the amount of moisture produced is normal for that type of room, and the ventilation works properly to remove it.
To check whether you can take action against moisture or if it originates from the building, see the page “How to prevent moisture?.”
What your landlord is not allowed to do:
Accuse you without evidence or without an expert assessmentExpert Assessment: Intervention by a qualified professional (often an expert) who evaluates an issue, such as damage or a dispute, and provides an objective report.
Example: saying “it’s your fault” without a professional diagnosis.
Ignore your issues.
Paint over moldMold: Microscopic fungi that appear as spots (often black or green) due to moisture. They can damage surfaces and pose health risks. without addressing the underlying cause of the problem.
In case of a conflict with your landlord, there are solutions! Organizations can also support you in these procedures, and often, that is enough.