A family living in Port Talbot has shared their harrowing experience of inhabiting a property filled with appalling conditions that have made their daily lives a living nightmare. Since moving into their rented home in February 2024, the Gordon family, consisting of James, his wife Paige, and their three young children, have had to endure water leaking down the walls, rampant mould growth, rat infestations and inadequate insulation. The family has also been prohibited from using their garden due to safety concerns, and most recently, the house failed its electrical report, adding to their distress.
James Gordon, 31, expressed the sheer desperation and despair that has engulfed their lives, leading them to withhold rent as a drastic measure to compel their private landlord and letting agent, Peter Alan, to address the deplorable conditions. Despite notifying the appropriate authorities about the issues, including the environmental health team, the family continues to grapple with a multitude of problems that have taken a toll on their physical and mental well-being.
The challenges began soon after their arrival, with water seeping through the bedroom walls, triggering a series of futile repair attempts by the landlord. Despite some initial roof repairs, the underlying issues persisted, manifesting in mould proliferation and worsening indoor conditions, exacerbating health problems such as asthma in family members. James highlighted the struggles faced by his young daughter and wife, necessitating medical intervention due to the adverse effects of living in a hazardous environment.
Furthermore, the property’s failure to meet electrical safety standards raised serious concerns about the family’s well-being, with James questioning the adequacy of safety checks conducted prior to their tenancy. The revelation of rats infiltrating the house added another layer of distress, posing health risks and further complicating the dire situation. The family’s attempts to engage with the letting agency and landlord have been met with limited responses and inadequate solutions, leaving them feeling neglected and trapped in a precarious living situation.
The family’s ordeal extends beyond the confines of the house, with safety hazards in the garden restricting outdoor activities and adding to their sense of confinement. The deteriorating state of the property has become a significant source of stress for James and his family, with no clear resolution in sight. Their efforts to address the issues through official channels have yielded limited results, as they navigate the complex dynamics between tenants, landlords and letting agents in pursuit of a safe and habitable home environment.
Amidst the challenges they face, James emphasised the financial constraints that limit their ability to seek alternative accommodation, underscoring the complexities of tenancy arrangements and the obstacles to securing suitable housing. Despite receiving some dehumidifiers from the landlord, doubts remain about the effectiveness of these measures in addressing the pervasive mould and dampness issues plaguing the property. The family’s plea for a holistic and sustainable solution to their housing plight remains unanswered, raising questions about the responsibilities of property owners and management agencies in ensuring tenants’ well-being.
As the Gordons continue to grapple with the dire living conditions that have engulfed their daily lives, their story serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of substandard housing on individuals and families. Their plea for a resolution that upholds their basic right to a safe and healthy living environment underscores the urgent need for robust mechanisms to protect tenants and hold landlords accountable for maintaining acceptable standards of accommodation. As the family navigates the complexities of their housing crisis, their resilience and determination shine a light on the enduring quest for dignity and security in the place they call home.