A 91-year-old leaseholder residing in a Wandsworth Council housing flat has suffered extreme water damage in her apartment for more than a year. She’s on the frontline of these awful and dangerous conditions on a daily basis. The resident, who is recovering from treatment for breast cancer, claimed to have had a serious leak last January. The council addressed the problem at the outset, but their response has been inadequate. Because of this, she is still living in toxic circumstances.
The leak that has tormented the apartment since January 2023 when the senior resident first had to call about the water coming through the ceiling. These inspections resulted in contractors having to cut a massive opening through her kitchen wall to inspect a long service duct. This duct carries the plumbing for ten apartments. For months, it was unclear where the leak originated. After filing the initial report, the resident had to endure a three week-long period with no information about what happened to her complaint.
In May, the leak was finally located to a tenanted upper flat and was repaired after tenants escalated. Still, by then, the damage to the 91-year-old’s home had already become extensive. Her home life has been a horror show. Saturated walls seep water out, plaster rips from the ceiling, and moldy refuse has heaped itself against the bottom of her flat. These conditions are more than an inconvenience, but a real potential health risk, particularly with regard to her recovery from cancer.
Wandsworth Council have admitted the hold up in repairing the leak. They have now repeatedly agreed to repair the damage in the resident’s apartment. To prevent the development of additional moisture-related damage, they put in place a dehumidifier as well. Furthermore, they enclosed an offer of £400 compensation for the worry and hassle caused by the lengthy delay – a nice touch.
“We have spoken to the resident to apologise for the delay and he has accepted an offer of £400 compensation for the stress and inconvenience caused. We will be reviewing our processes to ensure this does not happen again.” – Wandsworth Council
Though the elderly resident welcomed the gesture, she nevertheless chose to work through her insurance provider for repair. She expressed concern that Wandsworth Council were taking too long to complete the work required. She conveyed frustration with the city council’s lack of responsiveness and inability to resolve her predicament.
“I think that the council employees with whom I have dealt have tried to help under a system that simply doesn’t work, having no built-in imperative to get anything done.” – CA, London
Prolonged exposure to mould and damp conditions has since become a grave concern. Public outcry has grown over lack of housing standards and erosion of tenant rights. Advocates for older residents are calling for immediate, tangible measures to stop disasters like this from occurring in the future. They are particularly worried about vulnerable residents, such as a 91-year-old leaseholder, who are already dealing with health concerns.