Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘Xmas eviction threat’ for mould complaints mum
Damp property being blamed for poor health
A WOMAN says she is facing eviction on Christmas Day after complaining of a mould problem in her home that is “damaging her and her daughter’s health”.
Tanya Hull, who lives in Dromara, Co Down, says in recent months she has been dealing with mould and damp in her home.
She claims this has led to clothes and furniture being destroyed and causing her family respiratory issues.
The property is under investigation by a council environmental health team.
She says that she has received notice to leave the property after refusing to sign a tenancy agreement stating the house was in a good condition to live in.
Tanya said: “For the past few months living in this house has become unbearable.
“My daughter and I have both started having bad respiratory problems due to the mould and it is having a really bad effect on our mental health.
“Our furniture, including sofas and beds, are constantly covered in mould and damp and it has even ruined some of our clothes.
“There are problems with dampness in the walls and floors, with the moisture in the concrete itself being nearly twice of what is allowed at 33%.
“We have been working with environmental health for months regarding this, with them saying in a report in August that there were numerous damp issues in the house.
“All we have asked for is somewhere decent to live.
“But none of the issues that we have raised have been addressed by the landlord, who has told us to leave on Christmas Day after I refused to sign a tenancy agreement which would have said the house is fit to live in, when it is not.
“I am a full-time carer for my daughter and because of the situation we are in, we cannot get help with another house from the Housing Executive until we are officially homeless on Christmas.”
The Mirror has seen a report by a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Environmental Health officer highlighting various issues following a visit to the property in August.
It said: “It was noted at the time of my visit that the plaster surrounding the living room window was damp and the plaster was crumbling off the wall.
“The concrete floor directly under the window was also showing damp in excess.”
The landlord has denied there is a damp problem in the house and said an expert had visited the property this week and not found any issues.
They also said that Environmental Health had not inspected the property and any damp or mould in the house were a result of the tenants actions.
A Newry Mourne and Down District Council spokesperson said: “Environmental Health Department is currently investigating the matters that the tenant has raised in relation to the property.”newsni@mirror.co.uk