Beyond the Damp and Mould
Damp and mould are persistent, damaging, and dangerous. Whether caused by poor ventilation, structural flaws, or environmental factors, the outcome is the same: deteriorating homes and worsening health risks. It’s a problem that demands a real solution—not just surface-level fixes.
Yet beyond acknowledging these well-known health dangers, there’s a deeper challenge at play: trust.
What do residents actually perceive housing associations to be doing about damp and mould? More importantly, what are housing associations realistically able to do? The unfortunate truth is that when a housing association’s only visible response is sending someone to paint over the problem with mould-resistant paint, it’s not just ineffective—it breeds frustration and erodes trust.
Parallel Journeys, Different Destinations
Since 2016, I, as a resident, have embarked on an arduous battle with my housing provider. Our shared mission has always been to support residents and ensure safe homes, yet it has become increasingly evident that we are heading towards divergent destinations. In this article, I’ll delve into the disconcerting revelations from the Housing Ombudsman's report, highlighting the traits that hinder my provider from attaining the esteemed title of a "simply brilliant landlord."
I’ll shed light on my personal initiatives (the creation of two websites) in an effort to lend a voice to fellow residents who have been silenced by their housing providers. It has become apparent that while my actions speak louder than their words, as we explore the transformative journey and invaluable lessons I have acquired along the way.