We just want our lives back !
Donation protected
Our Experience Living in a Neglected and Unsafe Property (April 2021 – February 2025)
We moved into our rented property in April 2021, unaware of the serious structural issues that would later emerge. Shortly after moving in, we noticed that the white vinyl flooring in the downstairs area and bathroom had started turning yellow and black. Upon lifting the coverings, we were shocked to find extensive damp and black mould, with the upstairs chipboard completely rotted away.
We immediately reported these issues to the landlord. At the same time, we discovered that the windows in the living room and main bedroom were improperly installed, allowing cold air to enter during winter. The letting agent sent builders and surveyors to inspect the property, but instead of addressing the problems, they covered the damp and mould with paint and plastic coverings rather than carrying out proper repairs.
Over time, the situation worsened:
• The walls became visibly wet.
• The roof tiles started deteriorating, causing leaks in the main bedroom.
• The bathtub was not properly sealed, leading to water leaking into the kitchen ceiling.
• Vegetation even started growing from the window ledges in the master bedroom.
• Black mould was found behind storage units.
Despite countless emails and attempts to get the issues resolved, no meaningful action was taken. The disrepair had a devastating impact on our health. In 2022, Sophy developed seizures, which we reported to the letting agency, but there was still no urgency to make the property safe. I spent my own money replacing the flooring in the kitchen-diner, bedroom, and bathroom, as well as the carpets throughout, since the damp was causing rapid deterioration.
In September 2024, I suffered a grand mal seizure, turning completely blue and nearly going into a hypoglycaemic coma. I was rushed to the hospital, where CT scans and blood tests revealed high levels of infection in my blood cells. These seizures continued, leaving me unable to work.
We have since moved into temporary accommodation, and both of our seizures have stopped completely. Which is no way a coincidence, the same as our blood pressure and markers coming back much healthier.
We now wish to hold the letting agent and landlord legally accountable for their negligence and failure to provide a habitable living space. We have medical records, a council report and An environmental health report confirming the property was not fit for purpose, and extensive photographic evidence of the disrepair. However, as we are both currently unemployed due to our health, we need to raise funds to hire a lawyer and ensure that this company is held responsible.
Even the smallest donation will help us fight for justice. We appreciate any support, and we will be sharing images of the property to show the shocking conditions we endured.
We are currently living in a Travel Lodge with our beautiful dog Pippa waiting for the council to find us something permanent.
Organizer
Nick Steadman
Organizer
England