Can our Councill in Bracknell relocate us to a new property if we rent a flat from the agency (emergency)?
Question:My husband,my 2 months old baby and I live in a flat rented through the agency. We found a mold growing in our flat and our bedroom: wardrobe,bed and carpet smells of mould and damp plus it damages our property and has got impact on our health! Tomorrow environmental people come to check on the property. My question is: have we got rights to ask the council to relocate us for the time being to an emergency flat without mold? Or is it up to our agency to sort out this problem. However I have looked on the agency website and there isnt anything that seems more suitable for us? Could you tell me please what are my rights and who i should request a new place to live from as our current flat is inhabitable. Thank you for all answers!
Answers:
Go to the Citizen advise for legal advice on where you stand. I would have thought that the agency would have to sort this issue with the owner. You could contact the council and involve them to apply pressure on the agency but if it is found uninhabitable then the council must become involved. As your baby is so young be careful with this mould. Some have dangerous spores that can seriously affect lungs, breathing etc.Not trying to scare you but ask the environmental officers what the spores are and what damage can they do as far as your baby is concerned.
If you can prove the mould is or has effected your health then yes.
If you property is inhabitable then you can refuse to pay your rent or be relocated. Just make sure the agent does not blame you for the mould (not keeping the property ventilated)
Good luck x
You should try visiting the Citizens Advice Bureau (C.A.B.) - they may help.
Your council may put you in emergency housing but this can be a grotty b&b instead of actual housing and this can go on for months until they find you somewhere. Have you tried housing associations in your area, they're supposed to be really helpful. x
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