A PREGNANT woman living in damp conditions has complained about the lack of action by her landlord to fix the problem.
Carla Wilson’s flat, in Inks Green, Chingford, has mould on the walls and condensation at the windows.
The 23-year-old, who is five months pregnant, said she feels action taken by Omega Lettings, which manages the property, has so far failed to address the problem.
She said: “It’s disgusting and it’s ruining all my things.
“I’ve contacted them a number of times and I’ve been told to clean the mould off surfaces with bleach and water, which I’ve done, but it just comes back.
“They’ve sent surveyors round to assess the problem and one of them told me there was 85 per cent moisture in the flat when there should only be 30 to 50 per cent.
“I don’t want to live here with a new baby because it’s not healthy.”
Miss Wilson moved into the flat, which she shares with her two-year-old son George and partner Kieren McLaughlin, 24, about two years ago.
She said she noticed a slight problem immediately, but it has recently become much worse and is now affecting the family's health.
She said: “Me and George have both been suffering with asthma and Kieren is having to stay with his family on an evening because it’s so bad.
“I went to my mum’s for Christmas and noticed an improvement in my health.”
A letter from her GP at Chingford Medical Practice confirms both Miss Wilson and her son have had asthma and respiratory problems, which the doctor says have been exacerbated by the mould.
The two-bedroom flat, which was obtained for Miss Wilson by Waltham Forest Council, has widespread areas of mould in the living room and bedroom.
Omega Lettings sent contractors on Monday to fit fans, but the mould and condensation is still there.
Miss Wilson said she has also had to throw away items because they are covered in mould.
“I had a Silver Cross pram for George that I was going to use for the baby, but when I got it out of the cupboard recently I had to throw it away because it was covered.
“I can’t afford to replace all the things that have been affected.“
Harry Antonio, director of Omega Lettings, said the company had done everything it could to address the problem of condensation, which had been made worse by a lack of airflow in the property due to furniture and other items being placed against walls and windows not being left open.
He said Omega Lettings arranged for reports to be prepared by damp specialists Kenwood and then acted upon the recommendations.
Mr Antonio also said the company would be treating the mould and re-painting the walls once the heat recovery sytems had chance to remove the moisture in the air.
He said: "We feel we have acted according to the correct procedure.
"Initially this was a very minor problem which we noticed had become worse upon our last inspection of the property."
He added the company had been unable to carry out the last three inspections as they couldn't gain access to the property.
A spokesperson for Waltham Forest Council said they had been notified of the problem on Wednesday and immediately contacted Omega Lettings for an update on the situation.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel