Housing group rapped over mould complaints

HOUSING association has come under fire from the public services ombudsman for Wales for serious failings in handling urgent repairs for vulnerable families.

- LOIS MCCARTHY

Pontypridd-based Trivallis, which provides homes for around 25,000 people across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff Bay, was found to have repeatedly delayed essential repairs, failed to address longstanding damp and mould problems, and neglected to consider the specific needs of tenants with vulnerabilities.

‘The investigations were launched following complaints from two tenants, known as Mr B and Mrs C.

Both said they had endured years of inadequate responses to reports of damp and mould, while Mr B also raised concerns about how the association handled his broken boiler.

‘The ombudsman’s findings have reinforced concerns about how some tenants are supported when facing poor housing conditions.

In Mr B's case, unresolved repairs over nearly seven years led to persistent damp and mould, made worse when a broken boiler left him unable to heat his home.

Surveys at Mrs C’s home detected ongoing damp and mould, though Trivallis has not yet confirmed the cause. The investigation also found that communication with her was often poor, and the needs of her disabled granddaughters were not clearly considered.