Despite admitting that a leak did occur outside the landlord's property, Northumbrian Water are not prepared to help repair the damage.

Bosses have stated that they were responsible for water discharge outside the property in Skelton in Teesside, however they are not responsible to help repair the damage or pay towards the costs.

The reason they are giving for not contributing is because they feel that the damp course may have failed and caused some of the damage.

Landlord Edward Brewis, believes otherwise and feels that they should pay some money towards the repairs.

Edward Brewis said:“I rented the house out to two miners working for Boulby Potash Mine and they complained about excessive dampness,

“I noticed a pool of water had accumulated at the front of the property and on further inspection saw water was running through the garden wall and was coming from a leak between the wall and the road.

“Northumbrian Water came out to start work but left an area barricaded overnight.

“The excavation started to overflow and the next day another squad of men came, pumped the water out, and fixed the leak.

“I think I have enough evidence for them to assist me in paying for the damage because of a failure in their distribution system.”

He believes the leak had been happening for some time before it became glaringly obvious and that he had recently had a new damp course fitted for previous damp issues, before the water discharge. Brewis states that further work is required because of the leak.

An independent report said the damp started quickly and accelerated at a fast pace. “It would appear that the increased presence of water from the leak would be a major factor in causing the damp ingress.”

Northumbrian Water accept the fact that a leak had occurred but as far as it was concerned the damage to the house was a separate issue.

A spokesman said: “After careful inspection there is no evidence to suggest the leak had been running for any significant period of time.

“Neither is there any evidence to suggest the dampness issues identified in September 2013 were attributable to the leak we fixed in March 2014, or to any escape of water from our pipes.

 

“Our professional opinion is that surface water flowed over the block paved drive every time it rained resulting in moisture penetrating the front wall.

“Throughout 2013 there were multiple periods of extreme rainfall. Upon visiting the property on 30 April 2014, the lower courses of brickwork at the front of the property were still damp. We believe the dampness is an ongoing issue unrelated to the leak we fixed.”

Obviously the landlord is far from impressed and Brewis said he will be carrying on with his fight for compensation.