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Mould, Cold And Damp - Midlands Woman Highlights Daily Accommodation Struggles

Friday, 5 January 2024 13:29

She was trying to get a place through the local authority for over 10 years.

Mould, cold and damp have become daily concerns for a woman living in the midlands.

Tullamore's Jennifer Coonan moved into an apartment on High Street through the Sophia Housing Trust earlier this year, after trying to get accommodation through Offaly County Council for 12 years.

However, she now has damp clothes in her wardrobe, and the apartment is so cold that her €150 energy allowance was gone within two weeks. 

Sophia Housing Trust says all complaints are taken seriously and highlighted a recent drainage issue in the area was promptly dealt with.

Jennifer says she feels the council brushed her off:


In a statement to Midlands 103, Sophia Housing Trust says:

"Prior to leasing the High Street apartments, Sophia engaged a structural engineer to conduct a full survey. 

The report was satisfactory with no indications of dampness, problems with heating or drainage systems.

When Sophia was alerted to the blocked drain it responded in a prompt manner. 

The drainage system which was blocked was cleared and unblocked by a plumber (which was called on site by Sophia) and is in working order.

All complaints from tenants are taken very seriously by Sophia and by the MSC Team.

Sophia’s practice is to follow-up all issues raised by tenants and after addressing the issue we carry out a more comprehensive review, including an independent assessment. 

This will also take place in these apartments as well as already having contacted the owner of the building. 

All complaints regarding conditions in Sophia managed accommodation are subject to scrutiny and a report furnished to Sophia’s executive management team."

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