In a recent episode of “Call the Midwife,” viewers were once again transported to the gritty streets of 1960s Poplar, where the dedicated midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House navigate the challenges of delivering babies and providing care to the community. However, amidst the heartwarming stories of birth and compassion, a darker narrative emerged—one that resonates all too strongly with issues of today: housing disrepair.
In Season 13, Episode 2, viewers were confronted with the harrowing tale of Edna, a single mother struggling to raise her two children in a council-owned flat plagued by damp and extreme black mould. Despite Edna’s diligent efforts to combat the fungus with bleach and scrubbing, the mould persisted, spreading throughout her home and even infiltrating her young daughter’s bedroom and mattress. As the storyline unfolded, it became clear that this was not just a cosmetic nuisance but a deadly threat lurking within the walls of their home. This caused Edna’s 4 year old daughter to suffer extreme respiratory issues and resulted in an extended hospital stay.
Sadly, Edna’s plight mirrors the reality faced by many individuals and families today. Despite advancements in building technology and housing regulations, housing disrepair remains a persistent issue, often leaving tenants vulnerable to hazardous living conditions beyond their control.
The Tragic Case of Awaab Ishack in 2022
The case of Awaab Ishack, a 4-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short by mould in his home, serves as a stark reminder of the lethal consequences of neglecting housing maintenance. Awaab’s story is not an isolated incident; countless others continue to suffer the consequences of inhabiting substandard living spaces.
It is essential to recognise that ensuring safe and habitable living conditions is the responsibility of landlords, whether they be councils, housing associations, or private property owners. Tenants have a legal right to expect their homes to be fit for human habitation—a right that must be upheld and enforced.
Despite this legal obligation, instances persist where landlords fail to address housing disrepair promptly and effectively, leaving tenants vulnerable and unprotected. In Edna’s case, repeated pleas to the council fell on deaf ears, with authorities advising her to simply clean and ventilate her home—a futile solution to a systemic problem rooted in the construction of the flats themselves.
Viewers Recognise Mould and Housing Disrepair is still happening 60 years later
Following the airing of this impactful episode, viewers took to social media to express their resonance with the issues depicted.
In light of such injustices, it is crucial for tenants to be aware of their rights and avenues for recourse. If landlords fail to address complaints of housing disrepair within a reasonable timeframe—typically three months—tenants have the right to take legal action against them.
What can be done about Mould and Housing Disrepair?
At Courmacs Legal Ltd, we are firm dedicated to advocating for tenants’ rights, and we are ready to assist those affected by housing disrepair in seeking justice and compensation. Whether facing issues of damp, mould, structural defects, or other forms of disrepair, tenants should not hesitate to assert their rights and hold negligent landlords accountable.
If your council or housing association have not responded to a complaint about mould or any other form of housing disrepair within 3 months of your complaint, you are eligible to take legal action and get compensated for the issue. Contact us today for further information.
