Residents from an estate in Oxfordshire are seriously concerned about their health due to the failure of their housing association to adequately maintain their properties. Two tenants, who currently reside in properties owned and managed by Sanctuary Housing, have come forward to express their frustrations, according to ITV News. Both tenants have been facing persistent problems with issues such as mould infestations and drafty windows. They claim to have been engaged in a constant battle with their landlord to have these issues addressed and repairs carried out. 

One of the long-term tenants shared her frustrating experience of living with blown window seals since moving in 10 years ago. Despite repeatedly requesting repairs from the housing association, Sanctuary Housing, her pleas were ignored. Lisa said, “Everything you do with Sanctuary is a fight. You can’t just say something’s broken, can you come and fix it? You have to fight for it and then they blame you. It’s very depressing and incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re not a well person like myself. They just want to take your rent and then do nothing and they don’t care that there’s humans living in these houses.” 

The other tenant, Charlotte Anchors, who moved in with her partner and three children almost a year ago, has faced several problems, including a leak in her kitchen ceiling that led to the spread of mould. During an interview with ITV News Meridian, Charlotte expressed her grievances regarding the situation.  She said: “My son had asthma as a baby and grew out of it but since living here it’s developed again. My little girl Demi, she’s two in November, she has Croup, she’s never suffered from anything to do with her chest.” 

A spokesperson for Sanctuary Housing addressed the situation in a statement saying: “We are working with our residents of the Windrush Estate to resolve any issues they have in their homes whilst also ensuring we understand any longer-term investment requirements.”