In Adswood, Stockport, one family is voicing their decade-long struggle with damp and mould. Deborah Burke and her two children, 20 and 13, have lived in their Otley Grove home for ten years. Whilst damp and mould have always been a persistent, the conditions have worsened over the last few years.
The Stockport family has turned to the media after reportedly notifying Stockport Homes of the mould numerous times over the past four years. While surveyors from Stockport Homes have visited the property and suggested the use of mould and mildew spray, this measure has proven temporary. The mould continues to reappear, damaging their home and health, and they have seen no substantial action.
Dylan Cullen, 20, expressed his frustration to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The house is riddled with mould, it’s all around. We’ve reported this many times with no help. It’s been going on for years … We’re living here, but we’ve got nowhere to turn … We’re all getting lots of chest infections because we’re breathing in mould, and the walls are crumbling.” Dylan highlighted how his younger sister’s education is suffering due to frequent illness caused by the unhealthy living conditions.
The Stockport Homes Dampness and Condensation Policy (2023) promises a series of steps to address damp and mould, including:
- Cleaning affected areas within 10 working days;
- Performing minor or related repairs by the Rapid Response Team;
- Referring remaining repairs to the general repair service;
- Conducting a follow-up call six months later to review conditions;
- Providing residents with a free hygrometer and informational leaflet on moisture levels within the home.
However, this process has not been uniformly applied across their housing stock. Stockport Homes has faced criticism for its slow response to repairs, admitting in February to a backlog of maintenance issues but assuring residents that resources are being allocated to address these problems. The effectiveness of Stockport Homes’ management is under scrutiny, with councillors voting to review whether the current ‘arms-length management organisation’ model remains beneficial for residents.
This family has requested significant repairs, including a new damp-proof course, but has yet to receive a clear response or timeline. Deborah Burke’s family hopes that speaking out will prompt Stockport Homes to take action to repair their house and provide a safe and healthy home.
John Bowker, Executive Director of operations at Stockport Homes, said: “Our teams have been working with [the family] to ensure that the damp and mould … is dealt with quickly … work has been arranged to address the issue next week.”
At FDM Solicitors, we have a dedicated team who bring Housing Conditions Claims against social landlords on behalf of inconvenienced tenants. We understand the difficulties of living in poor conditions. We are available by phone on our freephone number 0330 360 1724 to discuss your case.
Alternatively, complete our quick form here.
