Standardised RICS Phraseology

RICS & HHSRS damp report clause library

Structured, professionally worded observation clauses for damp surveyors, landlords and housing inspectors. Copy the RICS-aligned wording, or use DampApp Pro™ to expand shorthand on-site. These are example clauses, not legal advice — confirm the standards that apply.

Professional Standards and Compliance

This reference set gives surveyors quick access to professionally structured clause phrasing. Whether conducting a residential damp survey or a general condition audit, using standardised RICS condition ratings helps keep reports consistent and clear for clients.

By using shorthand during fieldwork, professionals can map observations to these expanded clauses, reducing administrative time while keeping wording consistent across reports.

Automate with DampApp Pro

Our mobile app handles this mapping. Log a short shorthand note offline on-site, and AI Polish expands it into structured wording you review before it goes in your PDF report.

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Condensation & Ventilation

Severe Bathroom Condensation & MEV Fan Failure

HHSRS Mould Hazards & Awaab's Law 24-Hour DutyCategory 1 Hazard
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"black mould bath window fan off"
Expanded RICS & HHSRS Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Severe localized surface condensation and high-density black mould growth (Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger species) observed on the timber frame of the bathroom window, spanning an area exceeding 1.5 square meters. The mechanical extractor fan (MEV) was measured as inoperable, showing an extraction rate of <2 L/s, failing to meet the minimum 15 L/s mandated by Part F of the Building Regulations. High relative humidity (78.5% RH) presents an active Category 1 hazard under the HHSRS Guidance. Urgent remediation is required within 24 hours under Awaab's Law protocols to prevent respiratory tenant vulnerabilities.
Penetrating Damp

Penetrating Dampness via Defective Guttering

RICS Home Survey Standard (Condition Rating 3)Condition Rating 3 (RICS)
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"wet wall bedroom gutter leak"
Expanded RICS & HHSRS Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Active penetrating dampness identified on the north-facing plasterwork of the rear double bedroom. Non-destructive moisture mapping registers elevated readings exceeding 650 DFE (Damp Finder Equivalent). External inspection reveals a fractured plastic gutter bracket directly above the damp zone, causing persistent rainwater overflow to saturate the masonry wall. This constitutes a RICS Condition Rating 3 (CR3) defect requiring immediate gutter repair and internal wall desiccation to arrest structural fabric decay.
Rising Damp

Rising Dampness & Damp Proof Course (DPC) Bridging

BS 6576:2005 Installation of Chemical DPCCategory 2 Hazard
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"rising damp lounge skirting wet"
Expanded RICS & HHSRS Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Capillary rising dampness detected along the front lounge party wall, extending to a height of 450mm above finished floor level. Moisture profiles indicate capillary salt accumulation (nitrates/chlorides) and deteriorating timber skirting boards showing signs of localized wet rot (Coniophora puteana) with moisture content measuring 24% MC. The damp proof course (DPC) is actively bridged by high external ground levels (raised block paving). Rectification via DPC lowering or chemical injection barrier is required.
Sub-Floor Airflow

Inadequate Sub-Floor Ventilation & Dry Rot Risk

Approved Document C (Resistance to Moisture)Condition Rating 3 (RICS)
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"blocked air bricks floor bounce"
Expanded RICS & HHSRS Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Significant sub-floor condensation detected in the suspended timber ground floor of the front hallway. Exterior telescopic air vents are heavily obstructed by soil buildup and retrofitted landscaping. Moisture content of joists measures 22% MC, exceeding the dry rot threshold (20% MC). Urgent clearing of air bricks and localized joist sistering is required to prevent systemic outbreak of dry rot (Serpula lacrymans). This is classified as a RICS Condition Rating 3 (CR3) element.

Frequently asked questions

What is the damp clause vault?▾

A reference set of structured, professionally worded observation clauses for common damp, mould, ventilation and timber defects, mapped to RICS condition ratings and HHSRS hazard categories. You can copy the wording or use DampApp Pro to expand shorthand notes into similar clauses on-site.

Are these clauses legal advice?▾

No. They are example report wording to help structure observations consistently. They are not legal advice, and conclusions must reflect what you actually inspected. Confirm the standards and statutory timescales (for example under Awaab’s Law) that apply to your tenure and hazard.

How does DampApp Pro expand shorthand into clauses?▾

Log a short shorthand note on-site and AI Polish expands it into structured, standards-referenced wording that you review and edit before export. Free users get a few trial runs; Pro adds a daily allowance plus the option to use your own Google Gemini or OpenAI key.

Which standards do the clauses reference?▾

They reference the RICS Home Survey Standard condition ratings, the HHSRS hazard categories, and relevant British Standards and Approved Documents (for example BS 6576, Part F, Approved Document C). Always check the current version of each standard.

Related: Awaab's Law guide · damp survey app