Aaron McLucas still waiting for RBH to repair flat ruined by leak from upstairs property

Damage in Aaron McLucas' flat from a leak in the upstairs property

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Damp and mould which has been ruining Aaron McLucas’ flat on Lower Falinge for almost a year has yet to be repaired, despite reporting the problem numerous times to his housing provider, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).

Since October 2016, the Melrose flat has deteriorated, thanks to a leak from the flat upstairs, resulting in damp and mould in his property, cracked plaster, peeling wallpaper and holes in the ceiling.

In March, Mr McLucas discovered the leak, originally thought to be from the upstairs toilet, had also reached his airing cupboard when he saw the wall was ‘black with mould’.

Despite repeated calls to RBH, and reassurance that something would be done, the problem has still not been fixed.

He said: “I was reassured something would be done and RBH said they’d email. I haven’t received anything. This has happened a number of times and no-one has ever got back to me about the problem.

“I was told someone would come out the other week to replace the condensate pipe in the afternoon. I booked the afternoon off work and had a phone call to say they weren’t coming as the plastering needs sorting first.”

Mr McLucas has also experienced ailing health and had to take time away from his previous job because of the effects and ultimately ended up leaving.

He said: “I’ve had a horrible cough since then that has got worse and worse. I thought it was a chest infection and had it checked out. It’s unbearable. I’ve also been suffering anxiety as the roof could cave in and they don’t seem to realise the urgency.”

He continued: “I thought they fixed it just over two months ago but it appears the leak is coming from the bath in the upstairs flat. They can’t gain access to the property. I feel let down by RBH. I’ve asked them to rehouse me but they said they can’t do that.”

Mr McLucas was also battling a rent issue as the payments for his flat had incorrectly been put against a garage he rents from RBH. However, this has since been remedied.

A spokesperson for RBH said: “We are working to complete this complex repair as quickly as possible and our tenant has been made aware of the timescales involved. Our income team have ensured that any payments made are now in the correct account.”