A pensioner says her bungalow is killing her after being plagued my mould and damp issues for more than two years.
The 74-year-old said moving to the property, in April Close, Bitterne, which she initially thought would help her with restricted mobility and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been the "biggest mistake of my life".
The mould is present in several rooms of her home, where she lives with her husband, including the main living room, the bathroom, bedroom and living room.
It has spread across walls, damaged furniture, clothes and even handbags, the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Echo.
She is now pleading to her her housing association, Clarion, to help her before the issue kills her or her husband.
She said: “When we first moved in there was a slight damp smell in the back bedroom, but we were assured it would be dealt with, but it’s only got worse.
“We were told nobody was living in the property for 12 months before we moved in so how the issue wasn’t resolved beforehand I don’t know.
READ MORE: Professor says marine species 'full of cocaine'
“Damp is moving across the walls; our wooden furniture and clothes are covered in mould – we’ve had to move some possessions into the living room.”
She went on to say: “Nobody should have to live like this, it’s killing me and my husband, the smell is disgusting, and it affects my breathing.”
The couple noted that they were told to make a decision on whether or not to agree to moving into the bungalow – which is owned by Clarion Housing Association – on the day they viewed the property in 2021.
When presented with the resident’s concerns, a spokesperson for London-based Clarion told the Echo: “We apologise that this issue has taken longer than we expect to resolve.
“We have attended the property a number of times since late 2022 when the issue was first raised, with a number of repairs including mould treatment and a fix to the roof of the building completed in 2023.
“In January this year a leak was discovered in a neighbouring vacant property which has unfortunately contributed to the damp and mould issues.
“This leak has since been fixed, with further mould treatments carried out in the months since.”
The resident added: “The whole thing is dragging me down.
“Nobody would want to live here.”
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