The ongoing battle of tenants living on the Nags Head Estate in East London against the Peabody housing association has drawn significant attention. Lorraine Branch, one of the tenants, expressed her frustrations, stating, “We’re treated like peasants. Like we’re not good enough to live in decent homes.” This sentiment encapsulates a deeper crisis as residents discover serious issues such as damp and mould in their properties, exacerbated by ineffective repairs over time.
A group of tenants, with Lorraine at the forefront, has sought legal assistance along with support from Medact, a charity comprised of health professionals. Their efforts have been triggered by long-standing complaints regarding the living conditions, which many tenants assert have adversely impacted their health. Especially troubling are the reported health issues, with some residents experiencing respiratory illnesses that they link directly to the poor housing conditions. Lorraine has lived in her unit for 14 years, raising four children amidst these prevailing issues. “We’ve tried to gather all the tenants—door knocking, handing out leaflets, and hosting gatherings—to raise awareness and unite the residents,” she recounted, depicting the communal effort to ensure their voices are heard.
As Lorraine demonstrated during a recent visit, one of the apartments exhibited peeling paint on a newly treated wall, indicating ongoing dampness. “They give us quick fixes,” she lamented. The urgent need for thorough insulation and proper repairs suggests that the improvements made by Peabody are merely superficial and financially inefficient in the long run. Lorraine’s observations illuminate a broader problem; tenants expect substantial investments from Peabody to resolve structural issues rather than temporary solutions that inevitably lead to recurring repairs.
Similarly, another tenant reported persistent damp conditions in their unit after reporting problems for eight weeks without substantial action from Peabody. The ongoing struggle against mould and damp conditions has become emblematic of larger systemic failures within social housing in England. In stark contrast to tenant experiences, Peabody—one of the UK’s largest housing associations—claimed to have invested over £1 million in improvements during 2024, despite acknowledging that resolving all issues would take time.
The issue has intensified as Fatima Tejani, a tenant living on the estate for 16 years, reported developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), attributing her declining health to the problematic conditions within her home. “Peabody has made us sick,” she asserted, highlighting the mental health toll that the ongoing struggle with their living conditions can inflict on residents. Fatima’s story exemplifies the distress many residents face as they navigate the complexities of housing insecurity paired with health complications.
After temporarily relocating for repairs in 2024, Fatima and her family returned to find even worse conditions than before, including damp carpets and condensation on windows. The ongoing struggle has led Fatima to question safety in her living environment, asking, “What’s going to happen? If we go to sleep, are we going to wake up?” This distress showcases the potential hazards that arise from prolonged exposure to mould and damp.
The situation is further complicated by survey data from Medact, which indicated that of the 37 households examined, a staggering 35 reported visible mould, and 30 households reported damp conditions. Notably, 31 households reported new health symptoms or injuries since occupancy, with 19 confirming at least one family member having developed respiratory conditions. Dr. Isobel Braithwaite from Medact emphasized the clear link between the high rates of health complaints and the state of disrepair within the estate.
In an effort to foster improved living conditions, Tracy Packer, managing director at Peabody for Northeast London, acknowledged the challenges while reaffirming commitments to community engagement for consistent improvements. However, the urgency of tenant needs amidst the housing crisis in London can often overshadow these assurances. The government’s awareness of the issue, especially following tragic incidents such as the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak linked to mould, has prompted new regulations requiring landlords to address mould and damp issues more swiftly.
With all these unfolding events, the Nags Head Estate exemplifies a stark reminder of the pressing need for sustainable housing solutions and the importance of tenant advocacy. The residents are not only fighting for improved living conditions; they are battling for dignity and acknowledgment as deserving members of their community.