advise on how to deal with council negligence

[leetwin]

Hi my son of 14 is sleeping downstairs in a small room. The dining room was converted into a small bedroom recommend by the council. Under the housing act the bedroom is to small to be even classed as a bedroom. Our problem is the damp and mould.

 

The damp is a very large coming from ceiling and walls. Windows have been left open to circulate the air but this still does not work. wallpaper has been stripped twice but the mould is also in walls. I have a 3 bed house and I have 2 girls sharing 1 room and my 7 year old son has the box room.

 

My eldest cant share as he older and has a disability. The council do not now what to do with me as they inspected room and stated its to small therefore either a move or loft conversion. We was told there is no money in funding for loft conversions niether is there any 4 bedroom houses available.

 

I'm asking for help as this has been going on for 3 years we have contacted local m.p,The local councilour and the nieghbourhood office. Ive had visits from officers and a damp inspecter but nothing was done. This is no good for my sons health as he breathing in all that damp who constantly has a bad chest and colds.

 

I would like to no if I can prosecute the council for negligence or breach of contract as they are not doing anything.my son is sleeping in a room which the housing act states its to small to be even classed as a bedroom therefore I can't insure my house properly and they have no money for home improvements.

Edited August 24, 2013 by citizenB

[tezza1234]

Why dont you rent privately and claim HB, I don't see why this is the councils problem, you chose to have 4 children and are lucky you even have a council property, Might sound harsh, but also true

[Conniff]

Try writing to the Council boss and bringing it to his attention, if nothing from him then make an official complaint and send it by recorded delivery, in fact send the one to the boss by recorded as well, I wouldn't trust any council further than I could throw them.

 

Get your GP involved as well.

[ericsbrother]

Housing Act covers part of this and you should be able to get an improvement notice forced on them by the environmental dept. However, the council will not prosecute itself for allowing disrepair and overcrowding and I doubt if they will start eviction proceedings as that would force them to consider rehousing as you will be at the back of the queue again. I bet it is a problem with the material the building is construced from and little can be doen to cure the problems. Councils built a lot of substandard housing in an attempt to build as many homes as possible in a limited time back in the 60's and 70's and most anrent fit for purpose. Speak to your local councillor and get them to badger the housing dept on your behalf over the health/disability issues.

[stu007]

Hi

 

You need to make a Formal Complaint in writing. (you need to expire their complaints procedure then if still unhappy complaint to the housing ombudsman)

 

Give a breakdown of everything that's happened to date.

 

Now in your letter as for copies of the following:

 

1. Complaint Procedure.

2. Repairs Policy.

3. Right to Repair.

4. Copy of the Surveyors Damp Inspection Report.

[Martin Shaun]

Can You say clearly how to write formal Complaint.because i had occurred the same problem so only i ask you!

[seanamarts]

Why dont you rent privately and claim HB, I don't see why this is the councils problem, you chose to have 4 children and are lucky you even have a council property, Might sound harsh, but also true

This IS a council problem, they are the landlords and have an obligation to make sure that their properties are upto a certain standard. If this was a private landlord, the council would be making steps so that the LL fixes the problems.

 

As for renting privately there are a lot of costs to fork out for before you even move into a private rented accommodation, something many people cannot afford.

 

Obviously not so lucky to have a council house in this instance, as they have failed to fix the damp problem.

 

I would just like to remind you tezza, that the OP came here to ask for advice, they did not come here to be judged, lectured or made to feel bad because they have 4 children to look after.

 

I hope the OP comes back and lets us know how they get on.

[citizenB]

Whilst it is only a short term solution, pop some bowls of BBQ charcoal as near to the damp areas as you can - the charcoal will draw the damp from the atmosphere. You will need to dry out or replace the charcoal fairly regularly.