UK Statutory Building Regulation and Code

Building Regulations

Section 5.2 of the Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document C, “Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture”source requires that buildings should be constructed to resist rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation.

Walls should:

1. resist the passage of moisture from the ground to the inside of the building; and
2. not be damaged by moisture from the ground and not carry moisture from the ground to any part which would be damaged by it, and, if the wall is an external wall:
3. resist the penetration of precipitation to components of the structure that might be damaged by moisture; and
4. resist the penetration of precipitation to the inside of the building; and
5. be designed and constructed so that their structural and thermal performance is not adversely affected by interstitial condensation; and
6. not promote surface condensation or mould growth, given reasonable occupancy conditions.

Similar requirements are also made in reference to floors in Section 4 of the document.

Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018source requires private landlords in England and Wales to ensure that houses that they rent are “free from damp”.