A family residing in a housing association flat in Leicester is facing a critical health situation due to recurrent damp and mould, which they claim is causing severe respiratory problems for them and their one-month-old child. Sirus Kubadi, 42, and his wife Sawen Hussein, 28, who live in a PA Housing property on Dover Street, state that despite numerous attempts, the issues remain unresolved.
Mrs Hussein, who has sought hospital treatment for her asthma, says she has provided doctors' letters to PA Housing, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution. The most recent of these letters was submitted in May. The couple's one-month-old baby is now also reportedly suffering from respiratory issues, including sneezing. They also report that opening windows for ventilation is not a viable solution due to rats entering their ground-floor property.
The family alleges that PA Housing's attempts at remediation have been superficial, involving painting over the mould rather than addressing the underlying cause. Mrs Hussein stated, "They've been and painted here five times but after a couple of months the damp is back. They're just hiding the mould and damp, not treating it." She added that the mould has damaged their food, carpets, bed, and curtains.
PA Housing, through Charles Ellis, its executive director of asset management, stated that four surveyors have visited the property over the past 13 months to identify and treat the damp and mould. However, Mr Ellis claims the residents are now refusing access for further treatment, preferring rehousing, and have also declined an offer of temporary accommodation. Mrs Hussein disputes this, stating they are unwilling to repeat ineffective treatments and denying they are refusing access.
The couple has been informed by PA Housing that an occupational therapy report, demonstrating the flat's impact on their health, would be necessary for a permanent move, but they say they haven't received guidance on how to obtain one. They have also refused an offer to swap flats with another tenant, expressing ethical concerns about passing on the same problems. The family has the support of their MP, Shockat Adam, and their case is currently under consideration by the Housing Ombudsman.