According to BBC

A mother in Surrey has said she and her five-year-old daughter are effectively “trapped” in a privately rented flat affected by persistent damp and black mould, which she says they cannot afford to leave. The case highlights ongoing tensions between housing affordability, property standards, and the limits of local authority intervention.

Jade Symonds has lived in the flat in Ashford, Surrey for more than six years. She says black mould has been a recurring issue since she moved in, but that the situation has worsened significantly in recent months. According to Symonds, damp is now so severe that it is damaging clothing, bedding, and furniture, while also affecting her daughter’s health.

She said her child has developed a persistent cough and has required repeated visits to the doctor, which she believes are linked to prolonged exposure to damp and mould in the property. Symonds described the situation as both physically and emotionally exhausting, stating that she feels unable to move out and powerless to improve conditions.

Living Conditions and Health Concerns

Symonds said the mould growth is widespread and difficult to control, despite attempts to heat and ventilate the flat as advised. She reported spending hundreds of pounds replacing damaged belongings and facing sharply increased energy bills in an effort to keep the property warm and dry.

“My electric bills are £300 a month, and environmental health just says to keep the heating on,” she said, adding that this advice is financially unsustainable given her circumstances.

Rent, Housing Support, and Financial Pressure

Symonds said the monthly rent for the flat is £1,350, with much of the cost covered by housing support. However, she said that even with this assistance, the additional expenses associated with heating and replacing damaged belongings are placing her under severe financial strain.

Council Involvement and Environmental Health Assessments

Spelthorne Borough Council confirmed that its environmental health team inspected the property in December.

Legal Proceedings and Tenancy Status

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the landlord is currently pursuing legal proceedings to formally end the tenancy through a Section 21 notice.

Broader Context of Damp and Mould in Housing

Cases involving damp and mould have received increasing attention across the United Kingdom in recent years, particularly where children’s health is affected.

Conclusion

As the legal process continues and council involvement remains ongoing, Symonds and her daughter remain in the flat, navigating daily life amid damp conditions and uncertainty about what the future holds.