Tenants in Woolwich, South-East London, are threatening legal action against their housing association over excessive heat in their homes. Residents of flats in Canada Court and Clifton Lodge claim the buildings are unfit for purpose, with one tenant saying her top-floor flat can reach up to 43°C (110°F) in the summer.
The tenants, represented by Imran Khan and Partners, say the situation could lead to the first legal claim filed under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 over excessive heat. Keisha, who has lived in her flat for eight years, says the high temperatures are making her children sick.
“I feel like this building is inhumane, I don’t think it’s fit for purpose,” she said. “We’ve got elderly, vulnerable, sick, children, your regular adults working and living, and I’ve not met anybody who is able to be comfortable and happy in their home.”
Chris Sayudo, chair of the tenant association at the two buildings, said the corridors can reach 48°C (120°F) in the summer. He said the lack of ventilation and issues with mould are exacerbating the heat problems.
“The worse thing is you can’t sleep. You’re lucky if you get two-three hours because it’s so uncomfortable,” Sayudo said.
PA Housing, the housing association responsible for the buildings, acknowledged the issue and said it is monitoring internal temperatures to support residents. The company said the buildings were constructed according to regulations at the time, but admitted “this is an issue that, we agree, needs to be addressed across the housing sector.”
The government has said it is investing £13.2 billion to improve up to five million homes to “boost energy efficiency and to cope with higher temperatures.” However, the tenants argue that more urgent action is needed to address the immediate problems they are facing.