When the Rain Comes
Neither Amy Peebles nor Tina Turner could stand the sound of rain against their windows. How would they have felt if the rain were not just against their windows but rather entering their cold homes via ill-fitting windows? What soulful and blues-filled song would they have sung, having been ignored not just by customer service staff but also by the CEO and Customer Service Director?
How far do we need to escalate these issues before they are heard?
Recent correspondence between a tenant and GreenSquareAccord has unveiled concerning issues regarding the living conditions within a property, demanding immediate attention and action. The tenant has expressed significant concerns about various aspects of the property, particularly highlighting the inadequacy of the windows. This deficiency has resulted in dampness, mold, severe draughts, and fuel poverty, posing serious challenges to the tenant's comfort and well-being. Despite persistent efforts, including the threat of legal action to resolve these issues, the tenant continues to encounter obstacles in achieving a satisfactory resolution.
These issues have be exacerbating physical discomfort and mental distress. Compounding these issues is the property's dismal Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, indicating its unsuitability for habitation.
This ongoing issue underscores the critical importance of upholding adequate housing standards and promptly addressing tenant grievances. It highlights the profound impact that substandard housing conditions can have on individuals, both physically and mentally.
The involvement of GreenSquareAccord's CEO, Ruth Cooke, and the Director of Customer Services, Julianne Britton, who claims “At GSA we put our customers at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to delivering a good service”. However, despite assurances and efforts to initiate dialogue, tangible solutions remain elusive, leaving the tenant disillusioned and distressed.
The tenant's plea for intervention extends beyond personal grievances to encompass broader concerns about housing neglect and systemic failures. Despite GreenSquareAccord's recent acquisition of funding for housing improvements, little tangible progress has been made, further exacerbating the tenant's predicament.
In an attempt to offer support, we have provided the tenant with guidance on how to escalate the issue to Ruth Cooke and her team, copying local representatives and the local press. It is regrettable that such measures are necessary to ensure the tenant's safety and comfort.
This issue underscores the critical need for landlords and housing providers to prioritise tenant welfare and uphold basic housing standards. It also emphasises the importance of effective communication and timely resolution of tenant complaints.
As advocates for safe, warm and dry housing for all, it is imperative that we heed this urgent call for action. The tenant's plight serves as a sobering reminder of the profound impact of housing neglect on individual well-being and underscores the need for systemic reform.
This issue was brought to our attention through our “Safe, Warm, and Dry" campaign, launched this month, as part of our ongoing commitment to advocating for safe and adequate housing for all. Through this campaign, we aim to raise awareness of housing issues and empower tenants to speak up about their living conditions.
Since launching this month, I have dealt with five cases, highlighting the lack of basic requirements being met by our housing providers. From rat infestations, a lack of heating and hot water, data breaches, and security concerns, all of these issues are impacting the lives not of some far-off third world, but right here in our own neighbourhoods. Sobering isn’t isn’t it?