New research has revealed that the vast majority of tenants have experienced problems with damp or poor drainage.

A survey of 1,000 tenants, commissioned by drainage firm Lanes Group, found that 85% of respondents have experienced damp or drainage issues at some point during their tenancy. 

Just under a third (29%) of those who have experienced drainage or damp issues said they didn’t receive any assistance from their landlord.

The most common problem experienced by participants is persistent damp on walls or around windows.

This is followed by dripping taps and bad smells from drains.

Other frequent issues cited by respondents are poorly-fitted bathrooms, poorly-fitted appliances, low water pressure, drain blockages, leaking pipes and flooding.

London tenants are the most likely to experience drainage problems, according to the study, with 90% of renters in the capital claiming they have had to contact their landlord at some point due to plumbing issues.

“Having adequate drainage facilities installed and carrying out regular checks by professionals will go a long way in keeping drainage systems in rented properties running correctly,” comments Michelle Ringland, head of marketing at Lanes Group.

“This should be supplemented by giving tenants clear information on what they should and shouldn’t put down drains.”