If you have suffered damage or illness as a result of a damp and mould problem in your property, then you could be entitled to claim compensation.
There are a number of things that can cause excess moisture in buildings including leaking pipes, rising damp in basements and ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damaged roofs.
Damages
Damp and mould are common problems in homes and can have a detrimental impact on your health. They can cause respiratory problems, asthma, allergies and other illness.
If you are living in rented accommodation and the dampness and mould are causing you problems, you may be entitled to claim compensation for damp. If you report the problem to your landlord, they have a legal obligation to take steps to fix it within a reasonable time.
Damages can include loss of income, medical bills, travel costs and reduced future earning potential. This is called special damages and can be a large part of the total compensation you receive.
Penetrating damp and mould can also damage your furniture, soft furnishings, electrical items and expensive decorations. In these cases, you are entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs.
Medical expenses
If you have been ill or suffered from damage to your property as a result of damp and mould, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Damp and mould can cause a range of health problems including respiratory issues, allergies and skin irritations.
The NHS states that long-term exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and can cause chronic health conditions such as asthma. Mould fragments and spores can inflame the airways, leading to nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation.
Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy, died in 2012 from respiratory failure after being exposed to mould at his parents’ rented home. Jane, a private renting tenant, is among 320,000 people suffering from the problem in homes across England, according to government figures.
If you have been ill or suffered from damages as a result of damp and mould, we can help you claim compensation. We have a team of expert advisors who can give you a personalised estimate of how much special damages compensation you could claim.
Loss of earnings
If you have been left unable to work because of penetrating damp in your property, then you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your income. This is usually a significant amount of money and can be recovered in the form of a settlement. In addition, you can claim for any care costs that you have incurred as a result of your illness.
You could also claim for special damages, such as the cost of a dehumidifier or replacement furniture. However, the best way to estimate how much compensation you could get is to talk to one of our friendly advisors. They can give you a personalised estimation and explain your rights in more detail. Call them today to learn more about claiming compensation for mould in your property. They are more than happy to help you with your claims and are only too happy to answer any questions you may have.
Pain and suffering
Damp and mould can cause a range of health issues for tenants. It can lead to respiratory problems and aggravate allergies and asthma. It can also damage furniture, flooring and walls. As a result, the landlord may be responsible for repairing damaged property.
You could claim for any pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the damp or mould in your home, such as stress, sleeplessness, headaches or dizziness. You could also claim for any medical expenses, such as private healthcare costs and prescriptions. You can also claim for moving costs if you have had to move out of the property due to the damage.
If you have been affected by damp and mould, it is important to get in touch with one of our advisors to find out more about your legal rights. They can offer advice on whether you could make a claim and provide a personal compensation estimate. We can also help you to gather evidence to support your case.