A recent article published by the Manchester Evening News has brought to light the shocking reality that many tenants in the UK are forced to endure. The story of Sarah and her family in Chadderton, whose kitchen ceiling collapsed after months of unanswered pleas for help, is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of housing disrepair.
At FDM Solicitors, we were deeply concerned, but not surprised, to read about Sarah’s ordeal. Her story is one we hear all too often from council and housing association tenants who feel ignored and left to live in unsafe conditions.
“The house feels rotten. And I feel rotten in it”
For four years, Sarah and her two children have been living in a home plagued by a catalogue of problems, including falling kitchen cupboards, a rat infestation, and a dangerously leaking bath. Despite her persistent efforts to get her housing association, Onward Homes, to carry out adequate repairs, she was met with delays and substandard workmanship.
The situation culminated in a terrifying incident where a section of the kitchen ceiling gave way, showering the room with debris and foul-smelling water, narrowly missing Sarah and her eight-year-old daughter.
This was not an unforeseen accident; it was the inevitable consequence of a landlord’s failure to act. As Sarah told reporters, “I’ve had to watch the ceiling bellowing out over our heads as it fills with water. I knew it was only a matter of time.”
Her frustration and despair are palpable in her words: “It’s not about the money. It’s about the four years of crap I’ve had to deal with. It’s about the hours I’ve spent on the phone listening to their stupid hold music… It feels like they’ve just left us to rot.”
Your Rights as a Tenant
Sarah’s story is a powerful illustration of what can happen when landlords neglect their legal responsibilities. All social housing landlords have a duty of care to their tenants. This includes ensuring that the property is safe, habitable, and in a good state of repair.
When you report an issue, your landlord is legally obligated to investigate and carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe. When they fail to do so, they are in breach of their tenancy agreement and the law.
How We Can Help
If you are a council or housing association tenant and your landlord has failed to address issues such as leaks, damp, mould, pest infestations, or structural defects, you do not have to suffer in silence.
At FDM Solicitors, we specialise in housing disrepair claims. We can help you hold your landlord accountable and secure the repairs you are entitled to. We can also help you claim compensation for any inconvenience, stress, or financial loss you have suffered as a result of your landlord’s negligence.
We understand that taking legal action can be daunting, but our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process. We work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, so you don’t have to worry about legal costs.
Don’t Wait for the Ceiling to Collapse
It is unacceptable that tenants should have to wait for a crisis to occur before their voices are heard. The Manchester Evening News article reports that after they contacted Onward Homes, contractors visited Sarah’s home and promised to renovate her kitchen and bathroom. While we are pleased that action is now being taken, it should not take media intervention for a landlord to fulfil its basic obligations.
If Sarah’s story resonates with you, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to provide the help and guidance you need to make your house a safe and comfortable home.
