The Housing Ombudsman has published a report highlighting the threat of “silent” severe maladministration cases among Housing Associations and other landlords.
This includes finding issues in areas such as subsidence, adaptations and rent accounts.
Among the cases raised in the report are a wheelchair-using resident unable to use her bedroom and bathroom for two years because the doorway was not wide enough.
Another includes a family living with subsidence for four years, with concerns over the mental wellbeing and education of the children living there.
The Ombudsman has also explored the financial impacts of such failures, with a leaseholder unable to remortgage because subsidence is unaddressed for two years.
In another, the confusing handling of a resident’s rent following the death of her mother put her account into significant debt.
“While each area is distinctly different, the root causes of some service failings are similar and reminiscent of more visible complaint areas,” said Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman.
“This includes erratic knowledge and information management, inaction, and patchy communication.
“Landlords should not lose sight of some of the other core components of its housing offer with new regulations and legislation coming in.”
