Nicholas Webster of Victoria Park, Dorchester, has lived at his Magna Housing Association abode for nearly nine years. However, the flat he lives in has been damp for over 20 years. He has had this confirmed by former tenants who have all moved out because of the same issue.
A court case in 2022, went in the tenant’s favour and they received compensation. However, they were only awarded a small amount as most of the damaged items were purchased three years or more ago and they couldn’t claim without receipts meaning thousands of pounds of clothing were lost.
Nicholas is in serious fuel debt, he uses EDF as a gas provider because of having to have the heating on to combat the mould, It takes a considerable amount of time to heat his room, as there’s no insulation in the walls. Magna took it all out.
Nicholas cannot afford to leave and no other social housing is available for them as they are already in social housing.
He needs advice, as he cannot live like this anymore.
Nicholas is now on the verge of leaving the property and making himself homeless because he’d rather live on the streets than live in fear of dying from the mould/dampness.
Hi Nicolas
I run a specialist cleaning and maintenance business, we deal with biohazardous type clean-ups which often involve tackling mould issues.
I’ve worked in the building industry and also in remedial sector for many years as an approved damp proofing contractor.
I’m based on Portland.
Feel free to get in touch to see if I can be of benefit.
Regards
Mark
Magna moved us in with this issue despite telling us its to a livable standered. They just paint over the damp so u don’t see it before u move in. We have never had damp in any of our other properties.. Also we have skirting boards missing and damp course membrane on show in ever room! Never seen anything like it..
Not sure why nobody has advised this but get the housing standards agency involved they will fine the housing association and things will soon get moving to remedy this !
Contact Shelter.
What they don’t know about housing rights wouldn’t even fill a whole postage stamp.
My husband and I gave been in our property for almost 22 years.
We have mould in all of our rooms.
I have complained several times, someone visits, but the situation still remains.
One such visit from Magna involved them saying it was because we lived here.
I too live in a Magna property. My mould and damp are the result of condensation
I sympathise with you.
First of all, you find out what is causing the damp and mould. Maybe you could contact Mark Culbreth and he would be able to find the cause. You will need everything in writing
Next you write to Magna, the surveyor’s dept and tell them that you have proof of the damp and give them 14 days to do something about it or you will take them to court.
You do not need a solicitor to do this for you. You can do it yourself. The forms are on the internet, or you can ask the court to send them on to you.
If you want, I will help you to find the number of the forms. You could also be able to have help with court fees. This form is obtainable from the court.
But remember to keep all photos and communication
Do let me know if you need my help.