Special paint ‘not the cure’

the walls. All said the mould would keep coming back no matter what they did, particularly in winter.

One family even moved a radiator from a wall to underneath a window to try to improve the situation.

None knew for certain what had been causing the problem.

Three different families described making repeated attempts to move, but had been told they weren’t a priority.

‘It is widely acknowledged that there are many and varied causes that can lead to damp or mould... each case is different,’ RBH said in a statement, when the M.E.N. asked if the housing association knew the cause.

At the hearing in Rochdale Coroners Court, coroner Joanne Kearsley called for evidence on what RBH believed the cause of damp and mould to be at Awaab’s family home.

It comes after an expert witness produced a report which claimed at least part of the problem was caused by a leak from above.

The coroners court hearing into Awaab’s death heard that his father understood he had been told to ‘paint over’ the mould by RBH – and he did so on a number of occasions.

Regarding the treatment of mould its workers carry out at homes, the housing association insists there is more to the work than simply painting over affected areas, with an antimould spray followed by an anti-condensation

coating, requiring multiple visits to the home.

Following the post-mortem into Awaab’s death, pathologist Dr Philip Lumb listed Awaab’s cause of death as acute airway edema and severe granulosis bronchitis due to environmental lung exposure. A further preinquest review into Awaab’s death will take place on August 26, before a full hearing begins in November.

Coroner Ms Kearsley has asked for further evidence – including statements from residents around Awaab’s home, medical records and repair logs. She is also keen to hear how midwives and health visitors from the Northern Care Alliance who were involved in Awaab and Mrs Abdullah’s care reported any concerns raised to them about the house.

A number of residents on the Freehold

MANCHESTER-BASED Antony Hodari solicitors works with clients across the country who are battling to get problems resolved in their home.

The law firm’s CEO, Stephen Lund, says the use of anti-mould paint and treatment by housing associations is ‘not going to cure’ damp issues, while all too often landlords and housing associations will simply blame tenants for mould with ‘little or no

estate told the M.E.N. they had not been affected by mould at their property.

RBH points out that since it took over the council’s homes in 2021, it has invested more than £175 million in its 12,000-plus homes. Works have included new double-glazed windows and front and back doors, new kitchens and bathrooms, re-roofing and pointing, upgraded central heating, electrical rewires and making adaptations for people with disabilities. The housing association also says it is focused on ‘creating homes for growing families’ under its new build programme, as part of plans to improve the ‘quality and mix of affordable homes’ in Rochdale. RBH has either completed or is on currently on site for 450 new homes across the borough. investigation’ – jumping to conclusions about drying clothes indoors, windows being closed and even bathing habits. Stephen points out that black mould is particularly toxic and can exacerbate health issues. He says many older social properties have effectively become ‘sweatboxes’ in recent years, having seen double glazing and improved insulation installed - but not enough steps taken to improve ventilation.