In Swansea, Wales, a man has reported his distressing living conditions in a council flat that he claims are so mould-ridden that they have left a relative hospitalised with a lung infection. Brandon Handleigh, 19, states that since moving into his partner’s grandparent’s flat in November 2022, he has been facing “atrocious” conditions. The issues began around three years ago when they noticed moisture on the walls and floor following the replacement of a kitchen drimaster – a device used to reduce humidity. Swansea Council intervened in March 2023 by stripping the walls, but Brandon claims their efforts were unsuccessful, with clumps of plaster sliding off the walls.
Conditions deteriorated further as black mould engulfed Brandon and his partner’s room, spreading to other areas of the flat, including the kitchen and lounge. Brandon, who struggles with anxiety, expressed concerns about his health, with his partner’s grandad being hospitalised after allegedly developing a lung infection from the mould spores.
Despite multiple inspections by Swansea Council, Brandon feels more action is needed to address the situation. He described the flat’s odour as reminiscent of “rotting, dusty food” and lamented the damage caused to their clothes and furniture by the mould. Additionally, the flat’s location near a stream, which Brandon believes contributes to their problems, adds to their challenges.
Efforts to rectify the situation, including the installation of a dehumidifier, have not yielded significant improvements according to Brandon. Reports indicate ongoing inspections and limited progress, with the council citing investments in housing stock to meet national standards. Brandon’s plea for better living conditions underscores the urgency of the situation for those affected by mould and damp issues in council flats.