Star date: 1st February 2021

PENDLETON FLATS 'UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION' CLAIM

127 Pendleton tenants have joined in the commencement of litigation against Pendleton Together and Salford City Council, claiming that their properties are 'unfit for human habitation'.

"Fitness for human habitation is assessed with reference to 29 hazards, which include extreme cold, fire risks and electrical safety" says Matthew Condrad of Tenant Claim "We are confident that these cases satisfy the criteria and that the court action will be successful."

Full details here...

After too long of living with fire risks, then freezing conditions, plus loads of other problems with their properties, 127 tenants of Pendleton Together, which manages the nine blocks owned by Salford City Council, have joined the commencement of litigation against both organisations.

While the unsafe, dangerous cladding has now been removed from the blocks, there are other issues which still include problems around fire doors, big gaps in walls which are letting in cold air, extortionate costs from the NIBE heating system and water coming in through the windows...

"Having become aware of the catalogue of hazards affecting residents of Malus Court, Salix Court, Beech Court, Hornbeam Court, Whitebeam Court, Plane Court, Holme Court, Spruce Court and Thorn Court, we have commenced court proceedings on behalf of tenants" says Matthew Condrad of Tenant Claim which states that it's 'a collaboration of lawyers and surveyors dedicated to protecting the rights of tenants'.*
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"The flammable cladding exposed tenants to an intolerable risk, and fire hazards remain in existence" he adds "Removal of the cladding also has also caused extreme cold as it provided insulation. The NIBE heating systems are also designed to operate at a low temperature and depended upon the cladding to retain heat. Poorly insulated windows are also allowing heat to escape, as well as water penetration in some instances. Tenants are being told to put towels on damp window ledges.

"In order for court proceedings to be successful, it has to be proven that the properties are unfit for human habitation, and that repairs have not been scheduled or completed within a reasonable timeframe" he explains "Fitness for human habitation is assessed with reference to 29 hazards, which include extreme cold, fire risks and electrical safety. We are confident that these cases satisfy the criteria and that the court action will be successful. Tenants are entitled to adequate repairs and compensation."

The Salford Star has covered lots of tenants' experiences over the past few years, with the cold a particular problem currently.** Pendleton Together are paying around £5 per week to cover extra heating bills, which tenants say is nowhere near enough.

The cases of 127 tenants, plus more to follow, are expected to be heard in court later this year...

* For more details of Tenant Claim – click here

** See also previous related Salford Star articles...

Freezing Salford Tenants Stuck In Pendleton Blocks – click here

Just £25 Per Month For Tenants In Bare Blocks – click here

Salford Council and Pendleton Together do not respond to Salford Star requests for comments...

Update: 2nd February - Freezing Tenants Face Rise in Rents and Service Charges - click here