Leaseholder repair issues

Jat133

I own an ex council flat. The leaseholder is the local council.
I have my own private entrance hallway, an area which backs on to the downstairs council flat's bathroom. I reported to the council that my entrance hallway was suffering with salt coming through the walls and damp and mould. I have had to rip the carpet up down there as the underlay was mouldy and quite wet. The paint on the walls has peeled off completely in places due to the salt.
Having reported this in July 2017, the council confirmed that some pointing needed to be done and that the downstairs bathroom floor had dropped, allowing water to seap through. Since the visit by the council in Sept 17, I have had to chase the council about any of these repairs. Nothing has been done.
My question is, do I have anywhere higher I can take this? Compensation for redecoration even??

eddddy

Jat133 wrote: »

My question is, do I have anywhere higher I can take this? Compensation for redecoration even??

(FWIW - the council is the freeholder, you are the leaseholder.)

If the council have failed to deal with a problem that you reported - that may be regarded as negligent.

So, if additional damage has occurred since you reported the problem, you might be able to claim for the additional damage from the council (because they have been negligent).

At this stage, I would tell the council that you intend to claim from them for negligence - perhaps that will move them along.

Ultimately, you can take legal action, but that will be expensive.

Jat133

Thanks.
Have got photos of the additional damage.
Would a housing ombudsman be of any use do you think?

pinklady21

You would probably have to show that you have exhausted the Council's complaints procedure first. (caveat I have not googled housing ombudsman to check this, have you?)
Have you written to the council with details of your complaint, and what you would like them to do to fix the damage and compensate you for any additional losses you have incurred?