My flat is riddled with black mould but my landlord refuses to help

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M living in a leaky flat which is covered in black mould, but my landlord won’t help – even  though it’s been condemned.

My dog died when he ate a mushroom that had fallen from the kitchen ceiling, and now I’m terrified for my own health.

I’m a 28-year-old single guy on a low wage, with no family support. 

I’ve been on the council waiting list for four years, but I’m low priority. Being in my flat is so miserable that I try to avoid it as much as possible.

Sometimes, living on the street would seem preferable – and no more dangerous.