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Original poster

Housing situation

7 replies

Melaninqueen · 05/07/2019 21:39

Hiya all. I need abit of advice on some housing please.

I moved to Birmingham in 2015, had my daughter a year later and got housed in a month. The property I have moved into has serious repair works that need to be done but my landlord has done very few. I took this property not knowing it had so many defects but they are now very apparent.

I have spoken to my landlord, Midland Heart about these problems countless times, got my local MP's invloved and Birmingham city council. My landlord agreed to get these repairs fixed in May 2019, nothing has been done! I'm tired of living in this state, its depressing, I'm fed up.

I'm currently not working but would like to take them to court. Any help would be fantastic! THANK YOU

OP posts:

stucknoue · 05/07/2019 21:44

Unfortunately you are in social housing and thus are not in a strong position because many people would love your house/flat even with the faults. If it's not dangerous they may not be obliged to fix it, it depends on what the issues are. Housing associations are essentially charities so can only fix the essential problems.

Perhaps you need to consider returning to work and then you can choose your housing?

codenameduchess · 05/07/2019 21:49

What does your tenancy paperwork or the housing associations letable standards say about repairs? They will lay out what is acceptable (and what you agreed to when taking the tenancy) and what they will repair so you can then compare that to your list of faults.

Many social housing tenants would be surprised at what the actual minimum standards are for rental properties.

HarrietSchulenberg · 05/07/2019 21:55

What an utterly despicable attitude you have, Stucknoe. Are you a Rees-Mogg?
OP, speak to Shelter as they can give you excellent housing advice. If you are paying rent for a property you have a right to a safe home, regardless of your income.

Interested in this thread?

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Soola · 05/07/2019 21:59

@HarrietSchulenberg oh shush! @stucknoue raised a perfectly valid point.

If the op had a job she might be able to afford a better home instead of relying on social housing.

Iwantacookie · 05/07/2019 21:59

Hi op. First thing is you need to complain at stage 1.
Keep repeating that you want the work repaired and a time scale.
Keep escalating your complaint until it reaches level 3. After that ask for details of the ombudsmen service.
Housing associations are scared of them and will do anything not to have them involved.
We did that and finally got moved into a gorgeous house which I love.
Good luck

Original poster

Melaninqueen · 05/07/2019 22:26

Hi hunny thanks for the reply, I escalated my complaint to an ombudsman and still nothing! But I will definitely try again. Were you able to move because you asked to?

OP posts:

MauisHouseOnMaui · 05/07/2019 22:38

If the op had a job she might be able to afford a better home instead of relying on social housing.

Social housing does not mean it is acceptable for a property to be in a poor state of repair and social housing does not automatically mean a property ought to be a shit hole. And as an FYI, plenty of people who work qualify for and live in social housing.

OP, when you say you've gotten the council involved was that environmental health? They can come out and inspect a property that is in poor repair and then compel the landlord to do the necessary repairs.

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