Retired bus driver enlists of lawyers to solve mould issues in his home
A retired bus driver from Bolton has told how he sought legal help following a serious damp and mould issue that he feared would impact his wife's health.
Douglas Lee, 67, who has osteoarthritis and psoriasis, lives with his wife Rosina, 77, in a one-bedroom flat managed by Bolton At Home.
Douglas and Rosina Lee. (Image: Liberay Legal) The couple say they first noticed damp and mould issues in 2022, several years after moving in, with patches forming on the walls in their hallway and bathroom. They said made repeated complaints.
The couple first noticed the damp issues in 2022. (Image: Liberay Legal)
Douglas said: 'I had more people come into the flat to take photos than I care to think of, and off they would trot, never to be heard from again.
Douglas claims that he was complaining for around a year before seeking legal action. (Image: Liberay Legal) 'My wife has COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which causes breathing problems."
He was worried she would get the spores from the mould on her chest.
After almost a year of living in the property and fearing for Rosina's health, Douglas contacted Liberay Legal, a specialist housing disrepair law firm. The firm arranged for a surveyor to assess the house.
Numerous issues were found at the property following an investigation. (Image: Liberay Legal) The couple say the investigation revealed a long-standing leak behind the shower.
The surveyor also used a drone to capture evidence of blocked guttering.
Following Liberay Legal's intervention, Bolton At Home finally completed the necessary remedial jobs" target="_blank">work, stripping and replastering affected walls, regrouting bathroom tiles and installing new skirting boards.
The works were completed by Bolton At Home in December, two months after the company officially agreed to carry out the works.
The final works were completed in December. (Image: Liberay Legal) Douglas also received compensation, which helped him clear rent arrears, and the housing association recently contacted him to install a wet room in the bathroom.
'Liberay kept fighting for us and made sure the work got done,' Douglas said. 'Without them, I'd probably still be waiting. Now, my wife and I can live in a home that's actually fit for us.'
Joann Cameron, Litigation Executive from Liberay Legal, said: 'Sadly, Douglas and Rosina's experience is not unique.
'One in ten social rented homes in the UK are classed as 'non-decent,' leaving tenants struggling with conditions that can seriously harm their health.
'Too often, housing associations dismiss complaints or delay action, leaving residents to suffer for years.'
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