A mum and her baby were left without heating and hot water at their apartment in Stockport for ‘over a year’.
Courtney says she and her one-year-old daughter Esme have experienced various issues at their flat in Brecon Towers, Brinnington, since they moved in, including damp, mould and a leak. But according to Courtney, communication from her housing association has been poor.
The single mum says she first reported having no heating in November 2023. Since then, the water has been ‘lukewarm’, she says, and Courtney has had to go to her parents’ home to shower and bathe her daughter while electric heaters have raised her bills to more than £1,000 a year.
Stockport Homes says the heating and hot water were restored on January 3, after first receiving reports of the issue last February. The housing association provided three electric heaters and has promised to reimburse Courtney for the extra money spent on bills.
The organisation says it could have fixed the issue sooner but could not get access to the property despite trying to contact Courtney ‘numerous times’. However, the young mother denies this, claiming she was often left waiting all day for no one to come.
Damage to the ceiling caused by a leak
(Image: Courtney)
She said: “Every time they’ve tried to come and apparently I’ve not been in, they’ve never let me know. They’ve never emailed me about any repair whatsoever.
“The leak now that I’ve got in my flat, it was Boxing Day I reported that. And again, they didn’t contact me or nothing – literally nothing.
“Until yesterday, they put a slip through my door trying to say that they’ve been. But yet again, they don’t contact anyone before they come. You can’t stay in, can you? Unless you’re told that they’re coming.
“And when I have stayed in, plenty of times – I’ve got a kid, I wouldn’t miss an appointment about heating for god’s sake – I’ve waited in and they’ve not turned up. Who would lie?
“I’m not kicking up a fuss for no reason. For what? I’m not arsed about money and stuff. I’m more bothered about my child’s health.”
Courtney first reported the leak on Boxing Day
(Image: Courtney)
A spokesperson for Stockport Homes said: “We have over a period of time tried on numerous occasions to make contact with the customer, in person, via telephone, email and by leaving ‘please contact us cards’ unfortunately the customer hasn’t responded or allowed access to the property.
“We will be in contact with the customer to arrange suitable reimbursement for the extra money she has had to spend on the electric heaters and compensate for the poor service she has received.
“While heating and hot water were restored on January 3rd, and the shower replacement is scheduled for January 14th, we acknowledge that the handling of these repairs has not met expectations.
“We’re committed to resolving any remaining issues quickly and ensuring the property meets the standards our residents deserve. We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience and distress caused. This situation falls well below the standards we strive for, and we deeply regret the impact it has had.”