Feel as though im having a breakdown

[Jayhawks]

What should have been a happy time has turned into a living nightmare. I was offered a council property which i accepted, it was empty for a long time and when i viewed it smelled ‘musty’ however i assumed because it was empty for a long time that was probably the reason. There was mold and mildew on all the windows and the council assured me this would be tackled with.

Move forward to this week. I handed back the keys to my other place moved in. The flat is full of mold and mildew. The dehumidfier has filled up three times over the space of 4hours. I HAVE MADE A HUGE MISTAKE and i want out.

I went back to the council yesterday who sent out a contractor who thinks its mould in the floorboards possibly rising damp? I cannot stand the stench, its horrific. To the point where ive moved all my furniture out and its now in my mums garage for now (it all stinks)
I was assured once it was cleaned it would start to smell better - it hasnt gone away at all!!!

This is affecting my mental health, i cant see no way forward. Im devestated. I dont want to live there. I cant see no way out. My parents have told me to live with them for a while whilst something is sorted, which is fine by me but will that be ok to do?

Im a single parent - i only signed the contract on Monday. Ive paid over £800 on upfront rent, moving costs etc

What should have been a happy time has turned into a living nightmare. At the moment i feel like ive ruined our lives. I cannot see anyway forward. Please can somebody help me? I can indo this mess cant i? Im desperate for help.

Thanks for reading

[4dogs]

I guess you could give notice and give up the tenancy but would you get offered anything else if you did that? The property sounds like a nightmare, damp is awful.

[Ebayaholic]

Bump for you....hopefully the council can sort it. MP if not? Shelter may be able to advise.

[WingsofNylon]

Morning Jay

This sounds stressful but there will be a way out. May i suggest that you ask Mumsnet to move you post to topic which will get you more answers?

I know it must be disappointing but depending on how bad it is, it might still be a house you can live in once fixed. We had damp and some mildew issues but for it sorted and the small passed.

What have the council said in response to the contractor? Keep pushing them to come over and have it all fixed.

I wish I knew more legal info to be able to tell you your rights but hopefully if you get the post moved you will find the right support.

[Jayhawks]

Thanks for all the comments and support. I have my local MP supporting me and I have contacted the CEO of housing at the housing association as the management blames me for accepting and moving in.

I’m still extremely stressed. I’ve made a terrible decision. I cannot see light at the end of the tunnel. I can hardly sleep and yet in the day all I want to do is sleep.
I’m angry at myself. I hate myself. I wish I could go back to last week. This is horrible

[4dogs]

Moving house is incredibly stressful even when it all goes well so it’s no wonder you’re struggling. It doesn’t sound as though the property is fit for purpose which is not your fault.

[Jayhawks]

They are not helping. They are not listening. I want my money back.

I’ve ruined everything. I have no home. Me and my son are at my parents.

I’m at rock bottom this evening. Uncertain about our future. Iat all such a mess

[LinkListen]

I have been in your situation, ha property, noticed issues on viewing which i was assured would be dealt with. Waited 3 whole months, got the keys, apart from a new bathroom they had done nothing, the woodwork was rotten and falling apart. The walls and floors were so damp they had salt on them.
Push for the housing association to get an independent damp survey carried out and call environmental health also.
It's a shit situation to be in I know, you can get it sorted.

[LinkListen]

Just thought I'd add environmental health can get the work enforced if need be or get you back on the housing register with priority.

[4dogs]

Can you give notice on the tenancy? Or get environmental heath round?

[Jayhawks]

I have somebody to survey the damp today from HA. I’ve given notice on the property because it’s really bad. The stench is unreal.

The council will not put me back on the register, so I’m living at mums until I find something in private rentals.

It’s an awful situation in all honesty.
I’ve been feeling very stressed and ill over all this.

[trickyboots]

That sounds awful. Can the citizens advice help, your son's doctor, your son's School? I'm wondering could you rethink handing in your notice and pull together any resource to fight it? Put together a video and post on their website or something.