Family Living with Serious Disrepair and Faulty Gas System in Temporary Accommodation

Client Background

Ms. C and her family had been living in temporary accommodation provided through a local authority for more than ten years.

From the beginning of their occupation, the family experienced significant problems with the condition of the property. Despite repeatedly reporting the issues and allowing inspections to take place, Ms. C said that many of the necessary repairs remained outstanding for years.

Among the family's concerns were persistent damp and mould, leaks, unsafe fixtures, drainage problems and a faulty heating and gas system that left them without reliable heating or hot water.

As the condition of the property continued to deteriorate, the family became increasingly concerned about the effect the disrepair was having on their safety, health and day-to-day lives.

SDS Solicitors supported Ms. C in pursuing the matter and ensuring that her concerns were formally addressed.

Condition of the Property and Main Disrepair Issues

The property was affected by numerous serious defects.
A particular concern was the condition of the gas and heating system. Ms. C reported that the boiler operated intermittently and repeatedly failed during the winter months. At times, the family could be left for extended periods without heating or hot water, forcing them to boil water manually and carry it upstairs for washing.

The family also raised concerns about the approach being taken to gas safety and certification. Despite the ongoing problems with the heating system, Ms. C remained concerned that certificates were being sought while the underlying defects affecting the property had not been properly resolved.

For a family living in the property throughout the year, particularly during colder months, the lack of reliable heating and hot water caused significant disruption and added to their concerns about the overall safety and condition of their home.
Another significant problem was an ongoing water leak from the bathroom area. The leak had persisted for a prolonged period and contributed to extensive damp and mould. Water eventually began penetrating through the ceiling below and around an electrical light fitting, creating understandable concerns about electrical safety.

Several windows were defective, including windows that could not be properly closed. This left the property exposed to cold weather and caused concerns about security. The problems with the windows also made the unreliable heating system particularly difficult for the family, as maintaining a comfortable temperature within the property became even harder.

Other reported problems included damaged flooring, defective doors and handles, broken kitchen units, faulty electrical sockets, deteriorating guttering and sections of the roof becoming loose.

The property had also suffered from pest infestation and serious drainage problems. On one occasion, a sewage-related incident caused waste water to enter the property and contaminate household appliances and living areas.

During periods of prolonged rainfall, parts of the ground floor were also affected by flooding.

Despite the family reporting these issues on numerous occasions and inspections taking place, the problems were not adequately resolved.

Impact on the Tenant’s Life

The prolonged disrepair had a considerable impact on Ms. C and her children.
Living with an unreliable boiler meant the family could not depend on having adequate heating during winter or consistent access to hot water. At times, they had to resort to boiling water and carrying it through the property in order to manage basic daily needs.

This difficulty existed alongside other serious defects, including damp, mould, leaks and windows that did not close properly, increasing the discomfort experienced by the household during colder weather.

Of particular concern was the level of damp and mould within the property. One of the children experienced health problems which the family believed were associated with the mould and required an extended period of treatment.

Ms. C became so concerned by the lack of action that the family attempted to treat some of the mould themselves using products purchased from a DIY retailer. This placed an additional burden on the household and demonstrated the extent to which they felt compelled to manage conditions that required professional attention.

There were also serious safety incidents.

On one occasion, a glass bathroom door fell onto one of Ms. C's children, causing multiple cuts. Emergency medical assistance was required.

Loose materials from the roof also created further safety concerns, with the family reporting several near misses.

Living with unreliable heating and hot water, recurring leaks, flooding, sewage problems, pests and extensive deterioration placed significant strain on the family. Ms. C had repeatedly raised her concerns but felt that meaningful action had not followed.

How SDS Solicitors Supported the Client

After reviewing the circumstances, SDS Solicitors assisted Ms. C in bringing the long-running disrepair issues together into a formal housing disrepair claim.
The legal team reviewed the history of the problems, including the defective heating system, recurring boiler failures and the family's periods without adequate heating or hot water.
This formed part of a wider review of the property's condition, including evidence showing that concerns about damp, mould, leaks, drainage problems, unsafe fixtures and other defects had repeatedly been reported over a substantial period.
The evidence included photographs and other records of the condition of the property, together with correspondence demonstrating the family's previous attempts to have repairs carried out.
The circumstances surrounding the family's occupation of temporary accommodation also required careful consideration. SDS Solicitors ensured that the relevant housing arrangements and repair responsibilities were properly examined rather than allowing the nature of the accommodation to prevent the family's concerns from being pursued.
Independent evidence was obtained regarding the condition of the property, allowing the outstanding defects and required remedial works, including problems affecting the heating system, to be clearly identified.
SDS Solicitors then pursued the responsible parties, seeking both appropriate repairs and a fair resolution for the client.
Throughout the claim, the team provided Ms. C with clear advice and support, ensuring that the family's concerns remained at the centre of the case.