A Gateshead woman who suffered a stroke, heart attack and a broken back last year is living in what her family describe as a “totally unsuitable” council bungalow in Felling, with an ongoing offensive smell and a bathroom that has suffered repeated flooding.
Family say property unfit for a vulnerable tenant
The tenant, 65, has occupied the St Patrick's Close home for only a little over a month. Her mother, who has been speaking on her behalf, says the property experienced at least three floods before her daughter moved in and that the smell — which the family say is particularly bad during warm weather — is continuing to affect her health.
"My daughter is 65 and has moved into a bungalow in Felling - there have previously been, we've heard, three floods and it's been human waste coming up. The council has been refusing to move her out,"
The family report that the bathroom floor is coming away and that the council told them the wet room will be replaced, but not until a date in August. While the work is under way the council says the toilet will be out of action for a portion of the day.
Council timing and temporary arrangements
The council's position, as described to the family, is that the toilet will be unavailable "between approximately 8am and 2pm" during the planned works, which it states means it will only be out of use for a limited period. The tenant has been told she may need to rely on a commode while the bathroom is out of action.
The woman's mother described her daughter as effectively confined by her circumstances: "She's actually been a prisoner for a month in this bungalow. She can barely get into bed, she's disabled!" The family say they have made repeated complaints about the accommodation.
Local impact and practical information
This case highlights several practical concerns for vulnerable tenants and local authorities:
- Health risks: Exposure to sewage and persistent damp or odours can exacerbate respiratory and other health problems, particularly for older or recently ill residents.
- Access to facilities: Temporary loss of a working bathroom can present significant difficulties for disabled people, especially where suitable temporary arrangements are not provided.
- Reporting and escalation: Tenants should document complaints and request written timelines for repairs; advocates or family members can seek assistance from local councillors or Gateshead Council housing services.
| Known timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| Before move-in | Family say there were at least three previous floods in the bathroom. |
| One month after move-in | Tenant and family report ongoing smell and floor lifting in wet room. |
| Planned repair | Council work scheduled; family told replacement not until around 18 August; toilet to be unavailable part of the day during works. |
The council has been approached for confirmation of the repair schedule, details of any alternative accommodation offered and the steps being taken to protect the tenant's wellbeing while works are completed. Local housing teams are responsible for ensuring homes meet statutory standards and for making appropriate arrangements for vulnerable residents when repairs make facilities temporarily unusable.
This matter may be of interest to Gateshead residents concerned about housing quality, the council's response times for urgent repairs, and the safeguards in place for tenants with significant health needs.
