Is my local council in the wrong?

Question

i have been in my council property for 1 1/2 year, i've had nothing but trouble with it since, i have roff till falling off my roof when i told the council they came and put a green bag over them and said they would come and replace them on june 6th last year still waiting even after loads of phone calls to them, i have reported thick black mould that i have in two of the bedrooms and all they said was move the wardrobes away from the wall, (who else has wardrobes in middle of there bedrooms) i have really bad rising damp in my living room also my electrics are really dodgy my son got a shock unplugging his tv, all they say when i complain is your house is getting redone next year! i don't think this is good enough, any advice on what i should do i don't want to move out as when it is done it will be a lovely house but it's getting me down, i am embarresed to invite anyone round as the mould and damp smell, my kids would love to have a sleep over but they can't,

Answer 1

Sound like the council doesn't actually want to do the work, and is simply delaying things as long as it can. Perhaps they're trying to "persuade" you to move out. They do prefer empty houses when doing major work on a house. Sometimes they'll move people out to do the work, and they can come back when it's done.

Say if they don't do something soon, you'll contact environmental health regarding the black mould being a health hazard. (The moving the wardrobes suggestion is an attempt to say you're not ventilating the property) . You could also call in a fire safety officer, regarding the electrics. Apart from the obvious risk of electric shock it sounds like the poor electrics would pose a fire risk. Both those bodies have to power to INSIST repairs are made, and if they aren't done can condemn the building under the grounds of it being unfit for human habitation, which would FORCE the council to re-home you.  Even if the house isn't condemned they could also have the amount they get for housing you reduced, if it's deemed that it's an unreasonable amount (you wouldn't  be expected to make up the difference) Remember that the council will tend to take the option that's most prudent financially.

Not 100% sure, but if others in your estate have similar problems, you may be able to give an annonyous tip, and have them inspect several houses. Could force the council to do the work on ALL the houses, and/or rehome EVERYONE on the estate. Consider which is better PR....

Sound's like most of the problem is caused by water getting in through the roof, and sorting the roof out would solve most problems. rising damp is a misnoma. Usually the water comes from from leaking guttering/pipes/roof, rather than up from the ground. (Also older building materials tend conduct electricity better than modern ones, so the standard damp meters which say a wall is damp, can give a false indication of dampness in walls) Any plaster which has had black mould growing on it needs hacked out and replaced.

Make sure that local councillers/MPs are aware of your problem. It's possible they aren't aware of it at the moment (The "council" could be hiding the issue!). Make it clear that it's an important issue for you, and perhaps for others on the estate. Could be turned into an election issue? If you write to your local MP, they are obligated to provide a writen reply.

Always worth talking to CAB.

Answer 2

Personally i would call them up and kick off. Tell them that your son has had an electric shock and you will be taking this further through legal advice. Also say that you have a friend of the family who is a health and safety officer and has advised that the council could be in deep trouble if they didn't act and your son got another electric shock!

Whats this country coming to.

The council are probably more concerned with chasing OAPS for their council tax.

Answer 3

No you shouldn't have to put up with that :(  Even if your house is being refurbished they still have to do temporary repairs to make your house safe.  The fact that your son got a shock and also the damp does not make it safe!  The council are breaching their contract.  Keep annoying them but also get in touch with Citizens Advice Bureau or solicitor.  They will advise you what to do next or who to get in contact with to help you solve your problems.

Stay strong and good luck !

Answer 4

ask to see the chief exsecutive when he says jump everybody asks how high

report it to the public health department of the council and inform them that you are making an appointment to see your local MP these people cant stand an MP looking into thier affairs

BUT MOST OF ALL KEEP PESTERING THEM

Answer 5

You are the tenant and the council are the Landlords. It is the councils responsibility to maintain the property as it stood on you taking up the tenancy. If you have made alterations then the onus's is on you on the items you may have altered. Contact your local MP the council quake at the knees when they get involved. There are leaflets on how to reduce condensation to a property, it may mean changing a few things regarding using appliances etc, the council should be able to provide you with this. If rising damp is evident then again the council should remedy the problem. Try to take photos and make a list of times and dates when the phone calls were made, the more evidence the better. Keep strong, I use to work for havering authority (a good council) tenancy welfare was their main priority. Good luck stay strong.

Answer 6

Seek out the Health and Safety department of your council and get help from them.  They all seem frightened when H and S is involved.

Answer 7

You might want to think about sending what you have written into the newspaper or talking to someone there. Some tv news channels have a consumer reporter  that deals specifically with these types of issues. It is apparent that no matter how much you stress to the council how bad it is they are just going to keep pushing you to the side. Outside help which puts them on the spot seems to be the only option they have left you with. Council people don't like to look bad, especially near voting time.

Answer 8

Have you tried contacting you local councilor, every councilor will have weekly or bi-weekly surgeries where residents can inform them of any housing problems?