Student accommodation with black mould in all the bedrooms

[SunflowerBlues]

DS19 and 3 friends are just about to start their second year at uni in Brighton.

They moved into their first rental yesterday (halls last year) and I've had a panicked message today about what a terrible state the house is in!

My DS hadn't seen it until yesterday, but the other 2 saw it a few months ago, but weren't able to go into 2 bedrooms as they already had tenants in. Other problems at that time were glossed over and told they would all be sorted out before they moved in...

They haven't been.

None of us parents have seen the house as the boys put their stuff into storage over the summer and paid a delivery company to move them in yesterday.

Most of the house now has black mould growing on the walls, the double glazing units are misted and the house doesn't sound as though it's fit for habitation. It smells and the carpets and one of the mattresses are damp.

These poor boys have now moved into a house that they don't feel is safe or healthy to live in. One bedroom is particularly bad and last night the lad who should have slept in there went downstairs for the night.

Obviously myself and the other parents are going to be all over this tomorrow with the rental agency, but just wanted some advice or a handhold please.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/complain_to_environmental_health_about_private_rented_housing

Hopefully the agency will ensure it’s sorted but, if not, they need to contact environmental health.

DDs landlord (uni) fixed her mould within a fortnight when theTab published an article with a picture (she had reported in September)

https://thetab.com/uk/edinburgh/2022/12/22/pictures-show-edinburgh-student-flats-riddled-with-severe-mould-80634

They need to contact their landlord but also go to their student support services for further advice

Take tonnes of photos to, to show it was like that when they moved in. Don't delete them

I would pay for them to stay in a cheap hotel tonight and tell them to seal all clothes in bin bags that they leave behind, whist you get it sorted.

In America they are far hotter on mould than us. They would not have anyone live there and tent and fog an entire house. We seem to accept it. It really does fuck yo your health long term

The landlord will have to fix it. I live next door to a rental house and they had mould - got into the landlord who had to do something about it.

Shelter will be able to give some solid advice on what their rights are etc.

First obviously speak to the lettings agency and demand action. If nothing happens try environmental health. If they determine the flat is unfit for human habitation the landlord will need to do something. He has a contract in which he is committed to provide habitable accommodation.

Is the property an HMO or should it be? The Council website will say whether it should be. If it is, a copy of the certificate should be displayed on the wall. If so tenants can approach the HMO people, and if not there may be a person in the housing department who deals with private housing.