Housing Association Management Transfer

[Deleted User]

Hi, first post, on mobile and highly anxious so apologies in advance if this is clunky…

Condensing the story as much as possible, I have lived in a housing association property for 13 months with my young daughter. I have physical disabilities and mental health issues and currently rely on the benefit system. I had hoped to rebuild my life, get back into education, etc etc.

Needless to say, moving in, the place was a wreck and I spent the last of all my savings bringing it to liveable standard, as well as maxing out my credit cards. This wasn’t optional as I had a baby and the flat literally had no flooring, it was just the bare bones.

In April I noticed a leak. Due to repeated failures and negligence on behalf of the housing association, it is still yet to be fixed. It has now damaged every room of the property, and water is leaking through my 1 year olds bedroom ceiling, as well as there being copious amount of damp and black mould.

After another inspection today, they have deemed my property unsafe and will be offering me a management transfer to another property, as the works now required here are major and will take 6-12 months to complete. I pretty much have to accept what I’m given, no matter the location, and move wherever they have space… I don’t drive, my daughter has a nursery place set here, all our friends, support network, consultants and health professionals are here… It has been a major blow, as I’m likely to end up far away from where we are settled. Unfortunately due to the unsafe nature of my current property and time constraints there’s no alternative on that front.

Onto my question. What is reasonable to ask for, or a reasonable expectation if any for financial help with this move? I have zero savings, I’m still repaying debt from moving here. The new place will also have no flooring, curtains etc (their policy) and I would like to at least paint the walls if needed (you inherit the property in whatever state it was left in). I’m so overwhelmed with the prospect of needing a removal van, flooring, redecorating/small repairs, plus I’m losing everything here that I haven’t even repaid yet. I don’t know where the money is supposed to come from?

I’ve asked a few questions, as this move has been caused by their negligence (and they’ve accepted responsibility) but they’re being very vague. Is there any entitlement, or anything I can ask for? Google isn’t being very helpful.

TIA.

canaldumidi

Small claims court.

You make a claim for the cost of the improvements you made to the property on the basis of negligence. Had they responded appropriately in April, the damage would (I'm presuming) have been minimal and the move unneceessary.

[Deleted User]

canaldumidi said:

Small claims court.

You make a claim for the cost of the improvements you made to the property on the basis of negligence. Had they responded appropriately in April, the damage would (I'm presuming) have been minimal and the move unneceessary.

Yes unfortunately if they had repaired in April, I wouldn’t need to move. It was a tiny patch of damp (about 2inch across) in April. Now there’s substantial water damage in 5 rooms, including huge areas of damp, black mould, the plaster is crumbling away, door frames are loose and water is coming through the ceiling. Entirely avoidable and unfortunately devastating consequences because it wasn’t dealt with in a timely manner. The damp & mould patches in some places are a meter across and is through my entire home, so definitely glad we can move but incredibly stressed about the financial side of it all.

Norman_Castle

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/compensation_for_disrepair_and_poor_conditions

"I’ve asked a few questions, as this move has been caused by their negligence (and they’ve accepted responsibility) but they’re being very vague."

Tell them and provide evidence of previous costs and potential costs to move again. Explain that you believe you are entitled to compensation for your losses. If they continue to give vague responses use their complaints procedure asking for this to be dealt with properly.   

Chandler85

Them saying the leak is their responsibility is not that saying they are negligent.  It might be that they were but who knows.

Have you asked them if they will provide any help with moving costs or for new carpets etc.  It is policy at most to leave them with no curtains or flooring etc, and if you had seen the state of some of the carpets that come out of properties, you would be glad of it!