My sister has just viewed a detached house for herself (a single parent) and her two 1 year old daughters and immediately signed the contract after viewing the house. The reason for the quick sale is because her contract is now up on her current house and she has to move out as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the day after we made the agreement with the landlord (who made out the house was absolutely wonderful), we found major damp problems with the house. Two of the rooms have damp all over the walls which after analysing has been covered up with paint. The damp can be smelled however we first just thought it was the paint. Our parents have just had a look and the house in its current ‘hidden’ state is not suitable/safe for the babies.

We had a chat with the next door neighbour and also found out that she knew about the damp problems and the walls were previously black with damp. The ceiling also caved in recently and was repaired, the same room the babies would have slept in.

To top that all off, we researched the landlord’s name and found out he has recently committed benefit fraud and looks like he may be on bail.

Of course, the house is completely unsuitable, and these problems have clearly been part of an attempt to cover up the major issues. Unfortunately, we have signed the agreement and the landlord will NOT give our bond and month upfront back.

Please does anyone have any advice as this is a major and upsetting issue for our family. Thanks!