Douglas Lee, 67, is a retired bus driver living with psoriasis and osteoarthritis in his knees and hips, which forced him to retire early. His wife, Rosina, 77, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The couple live in a one-bedroom flat in Bolton, Lancashire, which is managed by the housing association Bolton At Home.
THE PROBLEM
Douglas and Rosina’s flat developed severe damp and mould issues.
The problems were noticeable in the bathroom, where mould spread across the walls and tiles.
Damp also affected a cupboard near the front door, causing the plaster to bubble and spread into the hallway.
Over time, the damage worsened, and despite Douglas repeatedly reporting the issue to Bolton At Home, little was done.
A number of housing association representatives visited, took photos and then left without resolving the issue.
The couple endured this situation for over a year, with Douglas repeatedly explaining that Rosina’s COPD made exposure to mould particularly dangerous.
TURNING TO LIBERAY LEGAL
Concerned for his wife’s health, Douglas contacted Liberay Legal. After providing details and photos, Liberay took on the case, immediately making Douglas feel more hopeful.
Liberay arranged for a surveyor to assess the situation. Unlike previous inspectors, the surveyor used a drone to check external issues, discovering blocked guttering that also needed addressing.
Liberay also ensured that Bolton At Home took action by escalating the matter.
Initially, the housing association attempted a superficial fix by spraying the wall, but when this failed, Liberay pushed for a proper investigation.
An inspector finally confirmed what Douglas had suspected all along – the water was leaking through unsealed holes in the bathroom tiles, caused by multiple shower seat installations over the years.
THE OUTCOME
Within four to five months of contacting Liberay, Bolton At Home completed extensive remedial work, including:
- Removing and treating the affected plaster
- Re-plastering and fitting new skirting boards
- Re-grouting the bathroom tiles to prevent further leaks
Douglas also received compensation. Thanks to Liberay’s persistence, the couple finally had a safe, habitable home.
In addition, the housing association has now scheduled the installation of a new wet room in the bathroom.
THE FINAL WORD
“Liberay kept pushing for action even when Bolton At Home weren’t doing anything,” said Douglas.
“They kept in touch with me throughout and made sure something got done. It took so much pressure off us. Without their help, I don’t know where we’d be now.”
