A Basingstoke dad is raising concerns over what he describes as shocking delays and neglect by a housing association in addressing hazardous living conditions.
Jay Medcraft, 32, a tenant of SNG (Sovereign Network Group), says he has been battling severe mould and damp in his flat in Berwyn Close, for two years, with little more than temporary fixes offered by the housing association.
Mr Medcraft says the issue has had a devastating impact on the health of his five-year-old daughter, who has suffered from recurring chest infections as a result of the mould.
“There is mould under the carpet, on the walls—it’s everywhere,” he said.
“Sovereign only offers a dehumidifier and a mould wash with a bleach spray, but the mould comes back within a day. They’re doing the bare minimum, and it’s not solving the problem.”
SNG’s response, according to Mr Medcraft, has been inadequate and drawn out.
A mould wash that was supposed to take 10 days instead dragged on for two months. Promised building work to address the root cause of the damp has been repeatedly delayed and rescheduled, with some repairs now pushed back as far as 2025.
“The way the association treats people is disgusting,” Mr Medcraft said.
“This is just a basic job, but they fail to do it. I have been living in these unhealthy conditions for far too long.”
SNG’s surveyors have inspected the flat multiple times, but Mr Medcraft alleges no meaningful action has been taken to resolve the underlying issues.
“I feel like they’re just passing the buck, hoping I’ll go away,” he said.
This is not an isolated case. SNG has faced criticism from other tenants for similar complaints about long repair times, lack of effective solutions, and poor communication.
As of now, Mr Medcraft says he has no choice but to continue pushing for proper repairs while his family suffers in the meantime.
An SNG spokesperson said: "We are engaging with Mr Medcraft extensively and have acted to resolve the issues he has raised.
"Repeated surveys and inspections, the most recent of which was on 13 November, and found no faults with the window glazing or external surfaces and all moisture readings have been acceptable. Where we did find a small amount of mould, we undertook a mould wash and followed up with an inspection where the mould had not returned. We are listening to Mr Medcraft's ongoing concern and the dehumidifier we provided is a precaution to give additional reassurance.
"The wider improvements to Berwyn Close are progressing as quickly possible, and we expect these to start this month."
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