My flat is riddled with black mould but my landlord refuses to help
DEAR DEIDRE: I’M living in a leaky flat which is covered in black mould, but my landlord won’t help – even though it’s been condemned.
My dog died when he ate a mushroom that had fallen from the kitchen ceiling, and now I’m terrified for my own health.
I’m a 28-year-old single guy on a low wage, with no family support.
I’ve been on the council waiting list for four years, but I’m low priority. Being in my flat is so miserable that I try to avoid it as much as possible.
Sometimes, living on the street would seem preferable – and no more dangerous.
There are holes and damp everywhere and the radiators spit out hot water, so I can’t use them.
After a gas leak, my landlord turned off my cooker, but he never got the gas seen to, so now I can’t make hot food.
If I try to use the microwave, I get an electric shock and everything fuses.
I feel scared and hopeless, but I can’t find an affordable flat nearby.
Please help.
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DEIDRE SAYS: The property you’re living in is very unsafe and sounds uninhabitable.
Black mould is lethal, and the Government is bringing in a new law to protect tenants.
Keep a record of everything you’ve asked your landlord to do, and when.
Please contact shelter.org.uk (0808 800 4444) and citizensadvice.org.uk, who can tell you about housing rights.
Read my support pack, Help With Stress, for advice on coping.