A TENANT with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease said he refuses to bring his newly-born granddaughter to his cottage because of the extent of damp and mould in it.
59-year-old Mark Morgan started living in his 200-year-old three-bedroom cottage on Fernleigh Avenue, Grange, which is managed by Thomson Hayton Winkley Estate Agents (THW),in the autumn of last year.
When he moved in he claims he received permission to redecorate the property and wanted to remove the wallpaper which 'stank.' He said he found the underside of the wallpaper was soaking wet.
Mr Morgan has since found and taken photographs of damp and mould issues in his house, which spread to his items including bedsheets and shoes.
"We started our tenancy and did a lot of work to get it to an acceptable state. I've been at Westmorland Hospital, I had a serious effect from something that has not flared up for ten years. The NHS said I should move out which I will do," he said.
The estate agents sent over a surveyor who recommended to Mr Morgan that he should turn the heating up: "THW came back and said we will give a rent reduction of £50 a month."
Mr Morgan's original tenancy agreement was to pay £1,000 a month for the property.
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"That [rent reduction] equates to £12.50 a week. I said I am paying that a day for electricity. My granddaughter was born two weeks ago. I wouldn't bring her here," he said.
Claire Hoban, the director at THW Estate Agents, said: "THW are committed to providing a high level of service to both our tenants and landlords. The tenants were aware of the damp from the outset and the landlord agreed to carry out remedial work.
"Unfortunately, they have been let down by several contractors. Yesterday we received a new damp report highlighting the action required and this is being reviewed by the landlord. THW are really sorry about the situation and we have kept the tenants informed throughout.
"I personally visited the property last week to reassure the tenants that we intend to get the matter resolved as soon as possible. Several attempts have been made to discuss this with the tenants since, but they have not yet responded."
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