Mould in rented new-build

mgibson91

Hi,

New to the forum and looking for advice.

I moved into a brand-new, literally just finished, two-bed ground floor flat on 28/05/2013.

I had the estate agents round within 3 days because I was finding furry mould spores along the skirting of both bedrooms and patches of paint 'bubbling' away from the wall. Not only that, the carpet of the one bedroom felt moist/damp underfoot. They responded that the it would resolve soon as I had been keeping the place well ventilated and that I should clean any mould with diluted Milton.

Now, about three weeks later, I'm following the same original regime. Every "trickle vent" is open; lounge, kitchen, hallway, bathroom and both bedrooms. Every extractor fan is running; bathroom, kitchen and ensuite. Every window is open and locked (so I feel safe seeing as it's ground floor!) on "two notches". If I am in a particular room and alert I will open that window more so. However, the mould and damp is getting worse.

I am now finding areas in the lounge and I am really concerned about my expensive corner sofa as I have read horror stories that say mould has "got in" and ruined a perfectly good sofa. It is also appearing by the front door which is well ventilated by a gap under the door and the window just to the side.

I had been suffering chronic headaches for days on end and it wasn't until I spoke to my GP that it was cleared that the mould was probably causing it - as I have also been experiencing respiratory and dermatological problems which haven't occurred for almost a decade since my teens!

Not only is it affecting health, it's affecting my wardrobe! I have fitted wardrobes in each room and clothes that have gone in bone dry are moist and feel 'gross' just the next day. I haven't done any washing in the place with the inclusive "Washer/Dryer" since I discovered the dryer part doesn't actually dry!

I'm at my wits end and really just want to know where I stand.

If I could afford to, I would walk out. But I would lose a deposit of £710 and I'd had to front £200 worth of agency fees. I really am tempted to not pay the next rent installment (01/07/13) until it's resolved. I really don't think it's justified.

Furthermore, I don't think the Landlady even knows as it's agent managed. They seem to be brushing it under the carpet, so to speak.

Sorry for the long message!

Thanks in advance.

pmlindyloo

Excellent article here on what to do:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/disrepair_in_rented_accommodation/repairs_in_private_lets/landlord_refusing_to_do_repairs

Since this is a newly built flat I am sure that your landlady would want to know as she may have a complaint towards the builder and/or a guarantee.

Following the guide on Shelter I would send copies as detailed to the LA and the LL. The LL's address should be on your tenancy agreement.

And just to check..........are you drying your clothes indoors? This could create damp.

However, based on your regime, it seems unlikely.

BitterAndTwisted

Write! Write! WRITE! To the landlord, copying in the agent and repeat everything you have said on here. At this time of year, when no heating is necessary and the place is well-ventilated this should not be happening. Something is very seriously amiss and your landlord needs to know asap.

You have no automatic right to end your tenancy unless you can acquire your landlord's WRITTEN agreement, so do not move out or stop paying the rent until you have followed Shelter's guidance on the procedures you must adhere to first.