ᐅ Independent Expert Assessment for Mold Damage in Older Buildings

Created on: 11 Nov 2025 21:11
J
Jodimaster2k
This has been ongoing since the beginning of 2025.

Exterior wall/corner.

Landlord. (86). They need to ventilate and heat more.

Now an independent court-appointed expert will be involved as a separate evidentiary procedure.

Building protection contractor writes: Clear signs of mold were visible in the lower and upper corner areas of the room, and the wallpaper on the right exterior wall had been removed (according to the tenant, a cabinet had stood here).
At the time of inspection, the room temperature was measured at 21°C (70°F) and the relative humidity at 57%. These values are considered "normal."
A surface temperature measurement of the “exposed” exterior wall at about 1.0 m (3.3 ft) height showed a temperature of 20.20°C (68.4°F).
The temperature measurement in the lower corner behind the bed showed a surface temperature of 17.6°C (63.7°F)! This temperature drop, despite the currently warm weather, is partly due to the corner location (keyword: thermal bridge) and partly due to the unfavorable position of the bed.
As temperatures drop toward autumn and winter, the temperature difference will increase further, inevitably leading to condensation and subsequent mold growth.
The same cause was responsible for the cabinet, now removed, that stood against the exterior wall.
We consider moisture penetration from outside to be ruled out due to the intact two-layer facade.
To verify this, the wall moisture was also measured electrically. The values were within the dry range between 48 and 58 digits. If the room continues to be used as it has been until now, and especially if the furniture position remains unchanged, further mold growth cannot be ruled out!
A structural upgrade of the walls with calcium silicate boards as interior insulation is possible. If interested, we would be happy to provide you with an offer.

Basement wall with moisture and plaster damage in the corner.

Exterior view of a beige-colored house with windows and planter boxes.

Basement wall with moisture damage and dark spots in the lower area.

Gravel bed along a house wall with shrubs, planting stones, and a paved path.

Exterior view of a two-story beige stucco house with balcony and planter boxes.
N
nordanney
11 Jan 2026 14:42
Jodimaster2k schrieb:

Due to the mold damage, the tenants have been living there under protest for many months now.

Let me ask again: WHY IS THERE NO RENT REDUCTION?

You have been complaining here for many months (much of what you write is completely unclear – sorry), but why are you still paying the full rent for a situation where there is no dispute about "who is at fault and why"? Why isn’t the rent reduced to apply pressure? I just don’t understand. It doesn’t make sense to me.
J
Jodimaster2k
11 Jan 2026 14:47
nordanney schrieb:

One more time the question: WHY IS THERE NO RENT REDUCTION?

You have been complaining here for many months (a lot of what you write is completely unclear – sorry), but why do you keep paying full rent for a situation where there is no question of "who is at fault and why"? Why isn’t the rent reduced and pressure applied? I just don’t understand. It doesn’t make sense to me.


Because rent should not be reduced simply without professional help (legal advice).
1. A lawyer is already conducting an independent evidence procedure.
2. The tenants’ association was informed about the room temperature. We are waiting for them to take action.
J
Jodimaster2k
13 Jan 2026 17:02
The tenant association will file an official defect report.
J
Jodimaster2k
2 May 2026 13:51
The expert appointed by the court finally visited this week. Results will be available in six weeks.




N
nordanney
2 May 2026 14:10
Oops. Is that all that was done? Just measuring the surface with such a device and then only displaying "digits"?
J
Jodimaster2k
2 May 2026 14:12
No, of course not
100 photos of the house inside and outside
Bathroom
Children’s room
Children’s room door removed
Moisture measurements
Moisture measurement in the other children’s room as a reference value
Questions for the tenant
Questions for the landlord
Distance from furniture (wardrobe) is a matter of dispute, but he was only interested in whether anything had actually been placed against the exterior wall
Building plans requested from the landlord
Heating cost statement requested from the tenant

That’s the brief summary

PS: The photos were taken by me

He definitely also checked the outside corner where the downpipe and the cellar entrance are located and took moisture measurements there