Bell, our MP, is campaigning to force our landlords to take action on damp in leasehold properties
Five residents met Bell on Thursday 2nd February 2023. We said there is damp across the estate. Dry lining has worked in tenanted properties. A minority of leaseholders have had a survey done and that has recommended dry lining too but the onus is on the leaseholders to arrange the work
Bell said if dry lining is needed because of a fault in the building then it should be considered a major work and billed as such.
She will write to the executives of the three housing associations to say she expects them to launch a major works program to install dry lining in all flats (tenanted or leasehold) that would benefit. If she doesn’t hear from them within two weeks (i.e. by 16th February 2023) she will get in touch again to talk about how she can work with the TRA to publicly shame them.
Well the results are in! Albeit not an admission of guilt, it could possibly be the light at the end of the tunnel. The responses highlighted a willingness to help at least from Southern Housing and MTVH, with the potential offering to install dry-lining as part of the “Major Works” section on lease.
Bell has requested to meet with representatives of all three Housing Associations (MTVH, NHG and Southern Housing) to discuss their plans in more detail and once these have taken place a further update will follow.
Bell is particularly concerned about any residents (tenants or leaseholders) where damp might be exacerbating their health problems. If this means you please email bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk, and please copy in StMartinsResidentsLambeth@gmail.com
Update on 27th June 2023: “Following on from your meeting with Bell, she met with housing providers to raise the issues you discussed with her. Consequently, It was agreed by the Director of Property at MTVH that they would seek independent legal advice on leaseholder contracts and their responsibilities. He said he would also speak with the other housing providers to suggest they take the same approach. it has now been several months since this was agreed so Bell will now follow up to see if any progress has been made”
St Martins TRA 