Barry housing association tenant complains of 'damp' accommodation (From Barry And District News)

Barry housing association tenant complains of 'damp' accommodation

4:30pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

A HOUSING association tenant has claimed his 'damp' Bastian Close home is risking his health and safety and the problem has been present for years.

Newydd tenant James Baker, who has lived in his two-bedroom home for 14 years with his partner, aged 58, said faults had been an issue for up to four years and had not been resolved.

The 70-year-old retired window cleaner claimed 'damp' had appeared following the installation of double-glazing, but the housing association had said condensation was to blame and advised him to turn the heating on.

He said: "I've got damp in the living room.

"It's very dangerous for a 70-year-old man.

"I don't know how they can say it's condensation.

"Something has got to be done.

"They can't leave houses like this."

He also said an incomplete railing had led to him badly knocking this leg and loose paving made him fearful of his footing to and from the property.

Newydd Housing Association chief executive, Paul Roberts said it had visited Mr Baker's home to investigate damp as well as ease of access.

He said: "From these visits we have installed a railing to help him with the flight of stairs and have repaired slabs.

"As Mr Baker was reluctant to accept our advice regarding the cause of dampness we commissioned a specialist's report.

"This report concluded that there is no defect in Mr BakerÕs home that is causing dampness and confirmed our view that condensation is the problem.

"We have sent information to Mr Baker explaining that the problem with condensation can be improved by increasing ventilation and heating.

"We recognise that in this financial climate heating a home is expensive and have offered Mr Baker access to our independent money adviser who will be able to advise him further."