Hallo.I moved into the rental property w...

Asked by the Customer on 25-09-2022 08:27:03
Question posted in the Property Law category relating to Gauteng

Hallo.

I moved into the rental property where I currently live in December 2021.  Soon after moving in, I started getting sick.  During May this year (6 months later) I was so sick that I had to quit my job.  I was declared permanently medically disabled by my employer.

I finally figured out what made me sick.  There was significant black mould in the house (most of which I have removed by now - at my own cost). Also the ceilings and dry walls throughout the house are made with asbestos.  The landlord was well aware of these issues, but it was not disclosed.  I would never have moved into this house if I knew about the mould or the asbestos.

Because my income is significantly smaller now (pension), I cannot afford to move or rent a similar house.  I definitely cannot buy a property because the bank will no longer extend credit to me.

My question: Can I claim damages from the landlord?  What type of damages can I claim and how much?

Sincerely

Anna

Message from the Attorney

Posted by Att. Patrick on 25-09-2022 11:00:22

Hi there and thank you for your question,

I am a practicing attorney based in South Africa and I will assist you with your question. Please feel free to ask as many follow up questions in order to clarify your question. If you have a new question, you must please open a new thread.

Please keep in mind that our discussions is for general information purposes only. Our engagement on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. 

So what I understand, is that you moved into the house in December 2021 and that you quit your job in May 2022 as a result of you being too sick to work.

But when did you start getting sick, and when did you find out that it was mould that made you sick, and are you SURE that the house contains asbestos, or do you just think this?

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