UN criticises English social landlord for substandard homes

UN experts have said one of England's biggest social landlords seems to have systematically failed to ensure the habitability of its rental properties.

- Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondent

In a letter to the UK government, they cite the case of a disabled tenant, Sanjay Ramburn, 55, who lived with his family of five in an L&Q group property in Forest Gate, east London, for several years with no electricity. They experienced four ceiling collapses, as well as severe damp and mould that affected their health.

The children developed breathing issues, tinnitus and skin issues. Ramburn, who reported racial harassment and antisocial behaviour by his upstairs neighbour that he said was not addressed by L&Q, suffered severe mental health issues, it says.