Seller didn't disclose a defect

[Deleted User]

Have you had a look at the roof?

suchadipstick

Thank you for your replies.
I did specifically ask the seller several questions, including 'Were there any damp issues, or anything else that I should be aware of?'. He said "No," so I said, 'Well I have nothing to worry about then', and he agreed.
This is not a case of buyer's remorse. I bought a place in good faith and believe that it is uninhabitable. The seller deliberately omitted to tell me that there were any damp problems with this property, so surely this is a misrepresentation? I am not after a 'pound of flesh,' but would like to go to sleep at night, not worrying that I am putting my mother's life at any greater risk. Obviously, if I could move out, I would, but I am between a rock and a hard place'.

in_my_wellies

I discovered huge patches of black mould in my first house, floor to ceiling and across the ceiling in all three bedrooms and porch. Mostly covered by old hardboard fitted wardrobes and not mentioned in the survey. The vendor had done a good job with emulsion  when we viewed in March. They moved out and the house stood closed and empty until October. After checking for obvious problems outside we were given all sorts of solutions and decided to start with the cheapest:

1. Opened all the windows whenever we were at home - better
2. Remover all the old hardboard wardrobes and carpet - better
3. Good clean of all surfaces with sugar soap - much better but still musty if closed up
4. Installed air bricks in two of the north facing bedrooms - problem solved 

Redecorated and have never had a problem after that. OP - try the simple solutions first. 
 

suchadipstick

Just to add that I do keep the place ventilated and have the heating on.

[Deleted User]

But you still don't seem to be doing much to discover what is causing the problem.  Therein lies the solution.  And an end to your worries.  BTW Cillit Bang black mould remover can be bought quite cheaply (or you can use white vinegar or bleach - white vinegar is better) to remove mould but it will return if the actual cause isn't dealt with.

My problem was caused by too cold exterior walls, I put insulating wallpaper on the walls and it never returned and the affected room was instantly warmer, much though this is scoffed at as a solution on here.  However, you really do need to look at the guttering, soil levels, any cracks in render etc externally and the roof first.  Not a hard thing to do really.

You decided to buy without a survey, a verbal discussion with the seller won't stand up in court.  All the seller has to say is the conversation never happened.  Stop going there.  Just fix it and go on and live your lives.  I assume as the seller was in such a rush to sell, you managed to get the place at a good price?

in_my_wellies

deannatrois said:

My problem was caused by too cold exterior walls, I put insulating wallpaper on the walls and it never returned and the affected room was instantly warmer, much though this is scoffed at as a solution on here.  However, you really do need to look at the guttering, soil levels, any cracks in render etc externally and the roof first.  Not a hard thing to do really.

I will not scoff. This solved the problem in my single brick North facing porch. A simple DIY solution

suchadipstick

No, I didn't buy this place for a song and paid the going rate.
I have had the roof checked. The soil level is not too high. I have open air brick in place. I have used a bleach based cleaner too. There are no cracks that are evident inside, or out and the guttering is fine. The offending rooms, [two of the five that are in this place,] are cold and I keep the windows [double glazed] clear of condensation. The carpet and underlay really stink and they are laid on top of hardboard. The damp proof course doesn't appear to be bridged.
I'm not looking for a get out clause, just a solution.

Davesnave

suchadipstick said:

I'm not looking for a get out clause, just a solution.

An explanation, if not a solution, may be in the answers to the questions I asked regarding construction, but if only two rooms are affected, I would start there to see if something's different in a physical sense.Orientation shouldn't matter, as my bungalow's longest walls are north and south facing, with no appreciable difference in the way they feel warmth-wise.

Thrugelmir

suchadipstick said:

The carpet and underlay really stink and they are laid on top of hardboard. 

Leak of some kind? 

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

Leak or it's too cold. Are they heated? Everything else has been ruled out by the sounds of it.