A London mother has successfully taken legal action against her local council after spending years battling dangerous damp and mould in her home, which left her children suffering from health issues.
Dedi Nseki moved into her Rotherhithe home in 2007, unaware of the nightmare that awaited her.
By 2012, damp had begun creeping through her walls, and despite years of complaints, the 56-year-old said Southwark Council failed to take meaningful action until she sought legal help.
The assistant chef and mother of four says the walls of the two bedrooms became dotted with large black spots of mould and the ceiling was continually leaking in the winter.
As a result, Dedi would have to mop the bedroom floor once a week, sometimes twice if the weather was particularly cold.
She and her children who are currently aged 21, 19, 17, and 10, would also regularly experience blocked noses due to property conditions.
According to Dedi, the house was additionally plagued by mice in the kitchen and living rooms on several occasions in 2022 and 2023, and there was also a cockroach infestation.
Of her harrowing experience Dedi said: “It was a really difficult time and affected me a lot.
“I was embarrassed for my kids to bring anyone home because the state of the rooms was so bad.”
She added: “My eldest daughter suffers from asthma as well as being allergic to dust and mites, and when the damp was bad, she was using her inhaler every day.
“Eventually I had to move her out of the bedroom into the living room because her condition just kept worsening.”
Dedi stated that the council were slow to act upon being alerted of the issues in her property.
After advising her to open a window, the local authority sent an in-house expert to inspect the property, who identified the main issue of disrepair was mould.
After taking on the case in 2023, Manchester firm Veritas Solicitors also carried out an inspection, and it was concluded that the damp and mould was severe.
She received a £550 settlement, and the council later came out to repair the issues which took around five months.
As well as the repairs, equipment was added to the front door which would give the property extra ventilation, and the council currently do a check for similar issues every three months.
Dedi praised Veritas for the support they gave her in navigating the case: “They were so helpful and understanding; I couldn’t have got through this without them,” she said.
“Councils need to take damp and mould seriously – it can be dangerous.”
Addressing anyone going through a similar situation, she said: “When you notice damp, report it as soon as possible. It can be easy to dismiss but it can really affect your health. Especially if you have kids around the house.
“I’m just glad my kids can live in safety.”
Managing Partner at Veritas Solicitors, Faraz Fazal, also shared his thoughts: “We are pleased that Dedi has received justice, but no one should have to endure the suffering which she and her family went through.
“Dedi’s story highlights the importance of upholding the rights of tenants as well as holding the relevant authorities accountable. Councils and landlords have a responsibility to maintain safe and habitable living conditions for tenants.
“Our team is dedicated to fighting for those who feel their voices have gone unheard. We are glad that Dedi’s home has been made liveable again, and we will continue to stand by tenants facing similar struggles.”
