Student says she was made poorly by 'toxic house'

'MOULDY' HOME LED EMILY TO GET CHEST INFECTIONS

- WILLIAM TELFORD

A PLYMOUTH student says she was made ill after living in a damp city house. Emily Steer, a 22-year-old Arts University Plymouth student, said she suffered chest infections and her mental health declined after living in a mould-infested house on the Hoe.

Emily said she faced problems from the letting agent when she tried to move out. She has decided to share her story as it emerged 54% of UK students have experienced damp or mould in their homes.

Students are now calling for a crackdown on conditions in accommodation, including in halls and privately rented properties. Emily spoke up after discovering studentmade TikTok videos openly showing horrific damp and mould conditions in properties.

Speaking to degree apprenticeships organisation Best Apprenticeships, Emily said that after viewing the Plymouth property she and her housemates were drawn to its spaciousness, but didn't foresee the problems to come. She said: "As silly 20-year-olds, all my housemates and I saw was a big house on the Hoe and thought 'great! When asking about any issues with mould or damp we were told it would be completely sorted out and renovated upon move in and not to worry."