Leicester Family Battles Toxic Damp and Rats

A family residing in a Leicester housing association flat has reported persistent damp and mold, leading to asthma and respiratory issues for the parents and their one-month-old child. The situation has been exacerbated by rat intrusions through ground-floor windows, limiting the family's ability to ventilate their home.

PA Housing, responsible for the property, has engaged with the family over the past 13 months, sending surveyors multiple times. However, the family claims these efforts only involve superficial treatments, such as repainting, which fail to address the root cause of the damp. The mold has reportedly damaged personal belongings, including food, carpets, and furniture.

Despite hospital visits and doctor's letters deeming the situation urgent, a permanent solution remains elusive. The family has been informed that an occupational therapy report is needed for consideration of rehousing, but they have not received guidance on obtaining one. They have also declined an offer to swap flats, stating a moral objection to leaving another family with the same problem.

PA Housing asserts that the residents are refusing access for necessary treatments and temporary accommodation that would allow for repairs. The housing association has also arranged for pest control to inspect the property. The matter is currently being reviewed by the Housing Ombudsman, and the family has received support from their local MP.