Mum ‘terrified’ after multiple hospital visits with kids due to ‘mouldy’ house

Kia Ratcliffe from Ashton-under-Lyne, moved into her current home in August 2021 and alleges that she lodged her first complaint with her housing association, Jigsaw, on “the day I moved in”. She said the issues remain unaddressed to this day.

Among a host of documented grievances, Kia reports her family are enduring a home with a perforated roof, an unbearable stench of dog urine left by the previous occupant, shattered floorboards, damp, and a decayed bath panel. Jigsaw said “works are already under way” to alleviate the distress.

Kia told the Manchester Evening News: “I am in hospital all the time taking my kids to A&E or the walk-in centre. It’s because they are getting really bad chest infections.

“We had to take my daughter to A&E twice in a weekend, she needed steroids, antibiotics and an inhaler. We left for a week then, but we had to come back. That was just before Christmas. I do not want my children to be seriously ill.”

Kia is convinced these chest infections are a direct consequence of her home’s conditions. She said despite her regular efforts to scrub away any visible mould, it hasn’t stopped it from rotting the bath.

One source for water is through the roof, which has several holes. This water has further resulted in a leak into the living room, on the ground floor.

Kia said: “With the weather, if it starts to rain the floorboards upstairs soak it up. If the ceiling collapses, it’s on them. I’ve reported it for several months.

“One [contractor] said to me to call back when it rains again. [They] said the ceiling has started to bow because of the water it’s holding.

Kia says conditions shouldn’t need to deteriorate to such an extent before the problems are fixed. She said: “I do not understand why they don’t want to keep it in a fit state.”

In response to Kia’s worries and her claims her home’s condition is triggering problems her children’s health, a spokesperson for Jigsaw Homes Group said: “We are aware of the ongoing issues with our tenant’s home on Albemarle Street and understand the upset this has caused to the family. Looking after our homes is our priority and we always try to work with our residents in co-operation to make sure repairs are undertaken on time.

“We were ready to start the works on this family’s home since 2022 but unfortunately, we have repeatedly struggled to gain access to carry out inspections and much needed repairs. This has led to the property condition deteriorating. We are pleased to report that works are already under way, with a roof renewal taking place later this week, and we look forward to working with our tenant to complete the repairs to her home.”

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