You’re never safe renting privately. For me, I don’t know how it could get much worse.

My family were evicted from our privately rented home two years ago. The landlord just wanted his property back. Shortly after, I was told I had severe leukaemia. I was seriously ill and needed emergency treatment.

Because of my illness, I’m not allowed around any mould or damp. When we found a new place to rent, the landlord reassured us that there wasn’t any damp in the property. 

But when I left hospital, I noticed a funny smell in the bedroom. The wall behind the bed was covered in mould.

The landlord just put a radiator in the room. He said that would sort out the problem. It made it worse.

My mattress and duvet are damp, so are my son’s. We both sleep in the living room. Rees, my son, is taking anti-histamines at the moment because of the mould.

It’s not safe for me to live here. But even if I leave here, I could move into a new property and face this all over again.

All I want is a safe environment to come home to and a safe place where I can recover without getting infections.

Nobody should have to face living like this. The Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, must make sure rented homes are genuinely fit for human habitation.

I just don’t want to keep doing this. I just don’t have the strength or the energy.

Please join me to campaign for better conditions for private renters.

Thanks,

Tracey