£2,000 Recovered Following Persistent Leak and Worsening Damp

Ms. H was a tenant living in a rented property in Hull. She had been reporting a persistent leak affecting the downstairs area for an extended period, but meaningful repairs were not carried out. Although a manager attended on several occasions over around a year and a half, the underlying problem remained unresolved, and the condition of the property continued to deteriorate.

Condition of the Property and Main Disrepair Issues

The central issue was an ongoing leak downstairs, which led to damp penetration, crumbling plasterwork, and mould growth. Ms. H explained that the affected area had become difficult to use and was left in a poor and unsightly condition for far too long. Where mould appeared, she reported that it was treated superficially by being sprayed and covered, rather than the cause being properly addressed.

As the damp persisted, defects were identified across several parts of the property. Damp and mould were present within the kitchen larder unit, understood to be originating from the adjacent downstairs toilet, with damp continuing to penetrate internal surfaces. Defective plasterboard and plasterwork were noted, along with wet patches to interior walls. The internal wall adjacent to the kitchen larder unit was also affected, with damp penetration present and plasterwork deteriorating.

Further issues were recorded to the stairs and landing, including defective interior walls and holes behind wallpaper. In a bedroom, there was mould present around the window and a defective window catch. In addition, loft insulation was found to be defective and had not been replaced following a rodent infestation clearance, raising further concerns about the overall standard of maintenance at the property.

Impact on the Tenant’s Life

The ongoing disrepair had a clear impact on Ms. H’s day-to-day life. She described being unable to properly use parts of the downstairs space because of the mess, damage, and damp conditions. Living with persistent mould, crumbling plaster, and visible deterioration within the home was distressing and disruptive, particularly where repeated visits failed to result in a lasting repair. The length of time the problems continued caused understandable frustration and anxiety, leaving Ms. H feeling unsettled in her own home.

How SDS Solicitors Supported the Client

SDS Solicitors progressed the matter using an evidence-led approach, ensuring the landlord’s repairing responsibilities were properly addressed. The team:

• Took detailed instructions about the leak history, the repeated attendance, and the lack of effective repairs
• Collated evidence of damp penetration, mould, and deteriorating plasterwork across the affected areas
• Highlighted the connection between the downstairs toilet and the kitchen larder unit where damp and mould were originating
• Pressed for appropriate remedial works to address the underlying cause of the leak, rather than superficial treatment of mould
• Negotiated firmly to ensure the client’s concerns were treated seriously and resolved within a reasonable timeframe

Throughout, SDS Solicitors maintained clear communication and ensured Ms. H felt supported while the matter progressed.

Outcome and Reflection

The claim concluded successfully. The disrepair was progressed and the matter resolved with £2,000 recovered in compensation to reflect the disruption and distress Ms. H experienced as a result of the prolonged leak, damp and mould, and the associated defects affecting the usability and condition of her home.

This case demonstrates the importance of early, effective intervention when leaks and damp are reported, particularly where mould is being treated without addressing the cause. SDS Solicitors ensured the client’s case was handled sensitively and robustly, resulting in a fair and practical outcome.

Fee Earner’s Comment

“Where a leak is allowed to continue for months, the damage can quickly escalate into damp, mould and significant deterioration to internal surfaces. This case required persistence to ensure the underlying issue was addressed properly. We are pleased to have recovered compensation for the client and achieved a positive resolution.”

Speak to Our Housing Disrepair Solicitors

If you are living with damp, mould, leaks, or ongoing disrepair and your landlord is not putting things right, SDS Solicitors can help. The team offers a supportive, client-first service and can often act on a No Win No Fee basis.

SDS Solicitors supports clients across Manchester, including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham, and Whitefield, and also acts for tenants nationwide across England.

Contact SDS Solicitors today to speak with one of our housing disrepair solicitors and take the first step towards a safer, more comfortable home.