Damp and Mould
BRIAN COULTER
Patchy dampness and black mould not only look unhygienic, they are also proven to be extremely dangerous to human health. Yet many tenants are expected to live with often appalling mould and dampness every day, due to landlords delaying, or outright refusing to fix the problem causing the issue.
At Alexander Shaw Solicitors, our housing litigation team, regularly provide clear, concise legal advice to tenants affected by mould and dampness issues. We operate a policy of inspecting properties ourselves, which results in our team having a high success rate when it comes to bringing a claim against a landlord for damp and mould problems.
The Danger of Residing in a Damp and Mouldy Property
Residing in a damp, mouldy house can cause many avoidable health problems, especially in young children and the elderly. Mould particles (spores and other debris) are readily released into the air on being disturbed and are easily breathed into the lungs and sinuses of anyone in the area. This can result in a number of health complications including:
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Respiratory problems such as asthma
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Skin conditions such as eczema
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Upper respiratory tract symptoms
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Coughing, wheezing and sinus problems
Recent figures show 47 percent of children with asthma are from the poorest 10 percent of families in the UK, and 85 percent of children living in damp houses suffer from breathing problems.
Individuals living in 21st century UK should not be subjected to housing conditions that knowingly cause ill-health. Don’t compromise you or your family’s health any longer. If your landlord refuses to deal with damp and mould issues promptly, contact us today and we can help you.
Different Types of Dampness
The three most common kinds of dampness that can devastate your home and health are;
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rising damp – caused by damp coming up through the wall due to ineffectual damp-proof course
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condensation damp – the most common cause of damp, caused by moist air condensing on the walls
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penetration damp – caused by structural problems such as faulty guttering, this is damp leaking horizontally through the walls
Both rising damp and penetration damp are caused by structural or damage to the structure or exterior of the property, and your landlord will have a responsibility to repair this. Condensation dampness is difficult to bring an action against as it is often a result of tenant behaviour, such as drying clothes indoors or cooking without ventilation. However, if the condensation can be linked to a structural defect and/or external damage, or is extreme and due to no fault of the tenant, then our housing team can bring about court action to force your landlord to remedy the problem.
The Cost of Bringing a Case
We understand that money for legal fees can be impossible to find for people who are on tight budgets; therefore, we offer a no win, no fee arrangement to our clients. If we take on your case, our fee will be paid by the other side if we are successful (and we almost always are).
Do Not Fear Eviction
Absolutely not. Statute law protects tenants from being harassed or illegally evicted by their landlord if they choose to bring a claim for housing disrepair.
Remedies Available
As well as forcing your landlord to repair the damp and mould and ensure that it does not return, you can claim compensation from the landlord if you can prove that living with the damp and mould has caused you harm.
If you are residing in a home which is damp and mouldy, call us for advice on 0203 7738 738. Our Solicitors will be happy to listen to your concerns over the phone and, if we believe you have a case, we will arrange a time to come and inspect your premises in person
Click on the video below for advice on how to avoid damp and mould.
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