The 23-year-old claimed there were several other issues at the house, including a shower that flooded, blocked drains, windows that would not close, filthy mattresses and a boiler fault that meant it could not heat enough water for showering.
Ms Cobine, from Michigan in the US, had to pay six months' rent in advance as she lacked a UK guarantor. This money has not been returned, she claims.
The students said they were still tied into the contract, though the letting agent has said they do not need to pay rent when the property was not in use.
Ms Taunton, who has multiple health conditions, said her room had been riddled with damp and mould, which affected her breathing.
