Damp problem in flat causing health concerns for family (From Times Series)

Damp problem in flat causing health concerns for family in Hendon

1:32pm Monday 8th February 2010 in Top Stories By Kevin Bradford

A FATHER is becoming increasingly concerned about the health of his family because of a persistent damp problem in their flat.

Kamran Akram, of Edgworth Close, Hendon, claims there is a constant issue with water coming into the flat, and his children are suffering breathing difficulties as a result.

Large patches of black mould can be found in many corners of of the flat, and droplets of water hang from the ceiling of the front extension in the lounge.

Mr Akram said he has been in contact with Barnet Homes and said he is desperate for repairs to be carried out as he, his wife and two children, aged five and nine, are forced to live in freezing conditions for fear of creating more condensation when they put the heating on.

He said: “It is difficult to sleep because it gets so cold. Especially for the children it is very difficult for them because they are having problems with their breathing.

“It is really affecting our health and we need something to be done.”

Mr Akram pays £400 a year service charge and claims that as the damp is emanating from external damage, it is the responsibility of Barnet Homes to carry out the works.

He said the family have to dry the walls and window ledges each week in an attempt to stop the build up of mould.

“We don't even feel confident when people come over here because of the condition of the house,” he said.

“We try to address the problem each week to make it a bit better, but how many times should we have to clean up the water?

“I just want them to at least send out a surveyor who would be able to tell me whose responsibility it was to make the repairs, because I need to get on with it if it is down to me.”

A statement from Barnet Homes said they visited the property last May and carried out repointing as well as treating the brickwork to prevent further dampness. It added staff had received no information suggesting the work had not resolved the problem.

The statement said: “We have now been back in touch with Mr Akram.

“We will arrange to visit his property again to assess whether further external repairs could help to reduce dampness.”