I recently discovered some unexplained dampness and mold in my home. Despite checking for leaks and using one of the best dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture in my home, I couldn’t identify the source.

Even after checking my property for signs of mold, I was dumbstruck until I discovered the dampness was quietly coming from my neighbor’s side.

According to Helen Rolph, home insurance expert at Quotezone, penetrating dampness is the main cause of mold in the home, and when it comes from a neighboring property, it’s harder to identify.

Moisture from leaks, plumbing, gutters and shared walls can sometimes seep between neighboring properties and cause damage. What’s more, beyond looking unsightly, black spores spreading on your walls can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and asthma.

So if, like me, you can’t spot what’s causing the mold or dampness, it may be worth looking beyond your property to what’s happening in your neighbor’s home.

“While some damp issues are relatively easy to spot, others can originate from adjoining properties and leave homeowners wondering who is responsible,” explains Rolph.

If you do spot damage, she says it’s crucial to take photographs and keep a record of when the problem started. “When the damage is coming from someone else’s property, it can be a tricky topic to discuss.

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