surrendering lease

[nightbreed]

We took on a 12 month lease in February but since moving in we have realised that the flat is unsuitable for our family. We have all suffered respiratory problems which worsen when we put on our heating. This is of much concern to me as I have a baby who is also suffering these health problems. We recently went away for 2 weeks and all symptoms eased in the family but when we returned, after one night, our respiratory problems all started up again.

I have contacted my doctor who is writing a letter to note that my daughters recurrent illnesses are consistent with moving into the property. I intend to send this to the company who is leasing the flat to us and request that they allow us to surrender the lease. However, I am not confident that they will be happy to do this.

I am inexperienced in these things but should they refuse, is there anything further we can do? If this is in regards to the health of a baby, are they obliged to let us out?

[Sali]

Have you identified what is causing your respiratory problems? Is there damp/mould in the house? Is it very dusty? Your doctor is willing to write that the health problems are linked to the house, but not seemingly concerned enough to send you/your daughter for tests to find out what you are allergic to? How can you be sure that you won't encounter the same problems at another property that you rent and be in exactly the same position again? I'm not sure where you stand legally with the surrender of the lease, but if I were a LL in this case, I would contest it.

[nightbreed]

we havent identified the problem no. we havent noted any damp or mould though my partner reckons my daughters bedroom smells damp. so far its just condensation we have noticed.

 

i did discuss this with the doctor at length and he did say that if it were only my daughter who was suffering he would have sent her to the childrens hospital to have them do investigations of her chest etc, but seeing as its the whole family who is affected he opted not to do that.

 

i have lived in many properties over the years, as has my partner and we have never encountered this problem so i dont see this being an ongoing issue wherever we move. it is clear to me that it is a problem with this property as we all find our symptoms ease when we are out of the flat.