Mould should housing pay for beds

[Askingforafriend101]

Hi.
Albu to expect my housing association to pay for replacement beds mattress etc?

My home has penetrative raising damp in 2 rooms downstairs and has damp from room in all 3 bedrooms on one side of house.
The mould spread everywhere and you can wipe down but it's back with a vengeance few days later.

I've had housing out few times to wipe and put on special paint but it xomes back.

My little ones room is worst its all over clothes toys etc... there is no where safe from it

The smell is horrendous 2x children on ventolin and eye drops for itchy eyes (I think it's mould related)

They coming Friday to sort out by wiping and putting new uv paint on and sort guttering and roof but Said I need to get rid of the bed and mattress and wardrobe as mould is soacked.into mdf and will keep returning.

I asked if they going to replace as they already taken 2 carpets and wallpaper strips leaving me to sort which I havent been able to... they said no it's not their responsibility.
I have kids living in something you see on comic relief night!.
I can't get credit or loan etc. How should I go forward as I really don't think they should just be saying get rid

You need to put in a claim to your insurance

A lot of housing associations have hardship funds and can give vouchers for furniture. The trade guys might not know about this (or be too lazy to care) but have you tried talking to anyone at the office?

Shouldn’t they be fixing the route cause?

I do not have insurance.
The workman who came out said they should replace and to talk to hafod office but they said no they don't.

There are now adverts for no win no fee solicitors to help with issues of disrepair in local authority and housing association properties.

They have a legal responsbility to fix the problem. I would think they are responsible for the replacements on their insurance, but maybe not. Do you have insurance?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home--2

Here's few pics

You own or rent? Rent from HA I assume?

The pink is a pillowcase I've been buying new every few months washing on 90 etc the white is my sons bed

Are you sure that’s rising damp? That looks more like poor ventilation

My daughters room mould gone into wardrobe.... they took back and one door off so it would "breath" but problem persists

Are you communicating with the HA in writing? You need to do so. Don't do anything informally from now on. Any chats, follow up with an email.

Make an appointment to see your local MP.
You can phone Shelter for advice.

You need to lay out the law to the HA and tell them you want it sorted out. Unfortunately this will ruin your life for a period but with persistence you may be able to get action. You need to get the health concerns documented - have you written to the HA about these?

From the government document I linked above:

Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.
As this guidance also makes clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould. Damp and mould in the home are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’, and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem, such as structural issues or inadequate ventilation.

It doesn't matter where it is coming from, it is the landlords job to sort it out.

If you claim universal credit, you should be able to get a Budgeting Advance for this reason.

I'm having a similar damp and mould problem in my privately rented house and it's exhausting. The landlord keeps recommending a spray from the pound shop and repeatedly says "winter is coming" as if he can explain it away by quoting Game of Thrones 🙄😔

I’m not sure they will but you can complain to HA and ask for replacements.
Mould’s a pain to keep on top of sometimes.
Have you tried having a couple of them cheap dehumidifiers in each room?

The HA should fix the underlying cause.

Maybe so, but there are ways to minimise it while waiting for the fix.

The HA should pay if dehumidifiers are needed.

You need to open all windows for a good 30 minutes twice a day. Use a dehumidifier to suck in water/damp. Wipe down all walls every single day. Never dry wet washing inside unless tumble dryer. Make sure you keep heating on at 18 degrees. Soak pillow cases in water with some bleach to get out mould stains. Ask HA to install extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen. Always put saucepan lids on saucepans when cooking.

@MidnightOnceMore fair enough. But if legitimately someone was venting their dryer into the living room what happens then?

It's not happening, so I don't see the relevance?

These lies about tenants persist, but the government have now been very clear which is a small step forward.

This again blames the tenant.

Government guidance: As this guidance also makes clear, tenants should not be blamed for damp and mould. Damp and mould in the home are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’

From the op: My home has penetrative rising damp

@MidnightOnceMore no sorry please don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe anyone should have to live with persistent damp or mould. But I am allowed to ask a hypothetical question

@MidnightOnceMore the link you sent doesn’t absolve the tenant of all responsibility. It ensures the landlord finds the route cause without blame

On this thread, the property has damp due to an issue with the property. That was explained in the op.

Mould of the severity the OP explains is not caused by lifestyle.