Damp & Timber Services for Landlords

Professional surveys, clear diagnosis and remedial work, carried out with minimum disruption to your tenants.

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Damp & Timber Experts for Landlords and Managing Agents Since 1971

Managing a property comes with responsibility. When damp, condensation, timber decay or woodworm becomes a problem, you need a specialist who can identify the cause, recommend the right solution and carry out the work with minimum disruption to your tenants.

Tapco HomeDry has been helping landlords, property managers and managing agents protect their properties since 1971.

Find the cause, explain it clearly, fix it proportionately

Damp and timber problems quickly become expensive if the underlying cause isn’t correctly identified. Our aim is simple: find the cause, explain the problem clearly and provide an effective, proportionate solution. We inspect, diagnose and treat:

Damp

Rising damp, lateral damp penetration in below-ground walls, and penetrating damp from defects.

Moisture

Condensation, excess humidity and black mould, with clear findings on the cause.

Timber

Dry rot, wet rot, woodworm and other timber pests.

Who is responsible for damp?

There is often confusion between landlords and tenants about who is responsible for damp or timber decay, and much depends on the terms of the tenancy or lease.

Landlord responsibilities and structural defects

Landlords are responsible for keeping their properties free from damp and the health risks associated with it. Structural issues, including rising damp, lateral damp penetration, defective roofs and resulting timber decay, fall to the landlord, freeholder or managing party to repair.

The complexities of condensation

Condensation is often harder to assign. Humidity is influenced by everyday heating and ventilation habits, but moisture problems are frequently rooted in the physical condition, design or built-in ventilation limits of the property itself.

Why professional diagnosis matters

Rather than masking symptoms, qualified surveyors investigate the root causes of damp and give clear findings and actionable recommendations, which helps resolve disputes and avoids wasted spending.

Professional damp and timber surveys

Our PCA-qualified surveyors carry out thorough investigations using professional diagnostic equipment, including calibrated damp meters, hygrometers, thermometers, moisture and environmental readings, and visual inspection of affected areas, with timber inspection where required. Where appropriate, floorboards or other areas may be carefully opened to check for concealed decay or woodworm.

You receive a clear assessment of the problem, what is causing it and what work, if any, is required, with a fixed quotation.

Working around your tenants

  • Access arranged directly with tenants where you prefer
  • Work planned room by room to keep homes habitable
  • Dust control and protection of tenants’ belongings
  • Paperwork and guarantees issued promptly for your records

1971

Established in Thames Ditton

55+

Years of damp & timber expertise

4,000+

Properties visited every year

10

Counties covered across the South East

Why choose Tapco

Done properly, every time. Diagnosed first, guaranteed after.

Every property gets an individual assessment from a qualified surveyor before anything is recommended.

A little more about us
  1. 01

    Commission-free surveys

    Our PCA-qualified surveyors are not paid commission, so we only recommend the work your building genuinely needs.

  2. 02

    Fixed, written quotations

    After your survey you get a clear written report and a fixed quote, with no hidden extras.

  3. 03

    Our own trained teams

    Our own teams carry out the work, protect your home, keep dust down and leave everything clean.

  4. 04

    Guaranteed for peace of mind

    Written guarantees, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee.

Book a survey

Get started today

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for damp in a rented property?

Responsibility depends on the cause and the terms of the tenancy or lease. Structural problems such as rising damp, penetrating damp, defective roofs and resulting timber decay generally fall to the landlord, freeholder or managing party. Condensation is often more complex, which is why an independent diagnosis is so useful.

Can you survey while tenants are in place?

Yes. We arrange access with you or your tenants directly and keep disruption to a minimum.

Do you work with managing agents on multiple properties?

Yes. We work with managing agents, housing providers and portfolio landlords, and have long-standing relationships with many of them.

Client testimonials

We have used Tapco on various sites in central London over the last two years and they have provided a thoroughly professional and effective service. They are reliable, cost effective and they do what it says on the box! Rare indeed!

James Folkes
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Serving London, Surrey & the Home Counties

From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.

We regularly work with:

  • Homeowners
  • Landlords
  • Estate agents
  • Property managers
  • Commercial property owners
  • Housing associations
  • Local authorities

Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.

Map of London and the Home Counties we cover

Our Trusted Accreditations

Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.

Property Care AssociationTrustMarkBasement Waterproofing AssociationSafeContractorCHASAccreditation

Why Tapco

Why choose us

Established in 1971

Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.

  • Established in 1971
  • Over 55 years of industry experience
  • Thousands of successful property surveys
  • Honest, practical advice
  • Qualified specialist surveys
  • Comprehensive guarantees
  • Trusted by homeowners and commercial clients

We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.

FCA Status Disclosure

Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.

Finance available on Tapco treatments