Family stuck in home not 'fit for habitation'

A family has spent the last 14 months living in a home which a surveyor has found to be not "fit for habitation".

David O'Reilly moved into the Newton Aycliffe property, managed by County Durham housing association Livin, over a year ago, and despite many complaints, has not been moved.

He became so fed up he hired Cowie Consulting, a Darlington-based surveying firm, which found the property has "systemic defects" with poor ventilation, moisture imbalance and exposed asbestos residue.

Head of property services at Livin, Paul Thompson, said it was aware of O'Reilly's concerns and would continue to work with him. They did not address any of the issues with the property.

Thompson said: "We will continue to work with him and address this matter in accordance with our policies and procedures."

O'Reilly said even after gathering evidence and hiring a surveyor, his family remained stuck in the two-bedroom house.

"I expected nothing more than a safe home for my family from the day I collected the keys," he said.

"Instead, what followed was months of living with serious problems, constant stress and a long fight just to be heard."

One of Cowie Consulting's chartered surveyors inspected the property in January and wrote a report summarising their findings.

The report reads: "The combined presence of exposed asbestos residue, severe thermal inefficiency, condensation supporting conditions and degradation of roofing materials creates a serious and ongoing risk to occupier health and safety.

"The dwelling cannot reasonably be considered fit for habitation in its current state.

"This represents systemic failure to discharge statutory duties under UK housing, health and safety and asbestos control legislation."

Summarising the inspection, the surveyor said the property needed comprehensive remedial work otherwise the conditions within were "likely to deteriorate further" and negatively impact the occupants.

O'Reilly said his family had suffered repeated illness and sinus problems due to the ongoing exposure to damp, mould and cold conditions in winter.

He said: "My family has continued experiencing prolonged distress, deteriorating health and ongoing fear regarding our living conditions.

"I just hope that by speaking out, no other family has to go through what we have."

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