St Helens Council notifies landlord after mould covers family home

As reported by the Star, severe damp and mould has been reported at a young family's home on Francis Street in Sutton.

The issue is said to have persisted since Bethany Jones moved into the private property in 2018, and although some preventative measure have been put in place, the mould has rapidly grown in the property's kitchen and bathroom.

In recent months, Bethany said that she has started to become ill when attempting to clean the mould, and explained that her three-year-old son has broken out into a continuous cough.

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The bathroom and kitchen is where the mould has grown the most (Image: Bethany Jones)
The property's management company, Kings Property Management based on North Road in St Helens, told the Star that it was aware of the issue and that repair works have been scheduled to resolve the issue.

Although it is a private property, St Helens Council has also been in contact with the landlord to make sure that sufficient works are carried out to address and resolve the problem.

Bethany said that the issue has persisted for years (Image: Bethany Jones)
The council says it reminds landlords of their obligations and the legal housing standards when unsafe housing conditions are reported.

Because of the growing damp and mould problem, Bethany said that she has applied to be rehomed through the council's 'Under One Roof' scheme.

The 31-year-old said that she was bumped up to Band B because of the seriousness of her property's issue, but criticised the length of the waiting list and the lack of communication she has received since.

Mould has also grown in the property's bedrooms (Image: Bethany Jones)
In response to the issue, A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: “The council’s housing standards team respond to enquiries from tenants regarding the condition of their homes, including damp and mould issues

"We investigate the issues raised, contacting landlords to ensure properties meet the minimum legal housing standards and take enforcement action as necessary.

“With regard to the property concerned, following receipt of the tenant’s complaint in January this year - the council has inspected the property and has contacted the landlord to notify them on the works required, while reminding them of their legal obligations to keep the property free from hazards.

“Our housing standards team are currently monitoring this situation and will take the necessary next steps if the damp and mould has not been addressed after a reasonable period of time.

“Private tenants or tenants of a home managed by a housing association should always contact their landlord or managing agent in the first instance to give them an opportunity to carry out remedial works, with council support then available via our contact centre by calling 01744 676789 or online by visiting www.sthelens.gov.uk/contactus.”