Landlord threatened to evict family after complaining about damp and mouldy home

Michelle Bromley, 47, said that her landlord issued a Section 21 no fault eviction notice on September 15, two days after she told her story in the Blackpool Gazette.

Mrs Bromley was convinced the rising damp in her family home, on Warley Road, was contributing to her grandson’s respiratory illness.

Although she’d tried to resolve the issue with the letting agent, using mediation, the lack of action led to her going to the local press as a last resort.

But now she fears that she will be made homeless.

The Section 21 eviction notice runs out this Friday – meaning the landlord is able to apply to the courts to evict the tenant.

She described it as a “retaliatory” move, a claim denied by Coles. He said she was served a separate section 21 last March – although this too came after her complaints about the property.

One of the babies, six-month-old Kingsley, spent two days in hospital last October after being admitted with acute bronchiolitis and a respiratory infection – conditions known to be linked to damp and mould.

The landlord was given a formal improvement notice and started work soon after. But a year later, amid an acrimonious battle between Bromley and the letting agent, the repairs have stalled and the ground floor resembles a building site.

Now Mrs Bromley and her two daughters, aged 18 and 21, have ‘no option’ but to cook on the upstairs landing, while the front entrance is partially blocked by kitchen appliances.

Fire hazard

Since the latest job started on Aug 21, the family has been cooking quick and simple meals using a halogen oven and microwave, positioned on folding tables outside the WC on her landing.

Mrs Bromley told Blackpool Gazette: "It’s a fire hazard. I’ve got to climb under wires to access the toilet, which is dangerous. It’s not really hygienic cooking near a toilet either.”

More issues were identified while the damp course was being carried out, as the tradespeople found water penetration coming through one of the walls.

But the grandma-of-three says using the kitchen isn’t an option, as the dust could potentially harm her grandchild who is prone to chest infections.

‘tenants are scared of Illegal revenge evictions if they speak out’

The former beautician is locked in an interminable battle with her letting agent, Stephen Coles, who accuses her of persistently blocking the repair work and making life a misery for his staff – claims she denies.

"Loads of his other properties are also mouldy and damp, but tenants are scared of Illegal revenge evictions if they speak out. It shouldn’t be like this.”

Mrs Bromley says they have lived with the damp conditions since they moved to the address 8 years ago.

Although the landlord has gradually made improvements to the building, she says the problems with rising damp and mold have persisted.

"We still have water leaking from the shower into the lounge. I had the house looking lovely, I have spent a lot of money on getting nice furniture and it’s been ruined by the mold.”

What did the lettings agent say?

The property was bought in 2009 by a local businessman, Simon Timothy Billington, and converted into three separate properties to rent out.

Billington, 56, said Bromley’s home had been “completely refurbished before she moved in”.

He accused her of “creating” problems with the lettings agents and tradespeople and acting aggressively towards them, which she denies. He said repair works were due to resume this week.

Coles Property Management argue that they have spent over 25k on the property since the tenant moved in.

Stephen Coles, the company director, told Blackpool Gazette: “There is an ongoing programme of works at the property working along side BBC, and conforming to their schedule, there is only 1 Schedule of works issued, that we working on, that relates to some minor damp work required in the property.

The damp course in the rear room was completed within five days, on the day works started more works were identified, and the tenant was informed these would have to be booked in on a later date due to contractors schedule (but wouldn't affect use of kitchen).

The Tenant can use the kitchen there is nothing stopping her using kitchen, we have done everything in a timely manner but due to other influences (not from our side) works have been continually delayed.

We have always attended to works as and when needed, but have been faced with a lot of obstruction from the tenant again all documented."

What did Blackpool Council say?

A Blackpool Council Spokesperson, said: “The Housing Enforcement team is involved with this property. The landlord has recently undertaken remedial work to deal with the issues at the property and the Housing Enforcement team has stepped in to mediate between both parties.”

What are the health risks of damp and mould?

Babies and young children, the elderly and those with allergies and asthma are likely to suffer averse reactions to mould.

For those with allergies, breathing in or touching mold spores can cause severe reactions, including asthma attacks, fever and shortness of breath, while for others, mold can bring on a runny nose, red or itchy eyes and irritated skin.

How can mould and damp affect my property?

It will initially affect walls, ceilings, bedding, clothes, furniture and carpets, as well as producing musty smells and damp conditions.

But, over time, it can lead to more serious problems.

Andrew Bradshaw, co-founder and partner at RTC said: “Properties will suffer, start to deteriorate and cause the owners and tenants even more financial implications.

“Furthermore, the risk to health that damp conditions can cause should not be ignored, especially with the very young, old and vulnerable.”

These are Mr Bradshaw’s top tips for reducing mold and damp in the home.