Case 202119831decided 12 July 2023
In case 202119831 (Haringey London Borough Council, decided 12 July 2023), the Housing Ombudsman’s most severe finding on the condition of the home was severe maladministration, on “handling of repairs to the resident’s glass roof”.
What was decided, issue by issue
- severe maladministration — handling of repairs to the resident’s glass roof (disrepair)
- severe maladministration — handling of reports of a leak (disrepair)
- maladministration — complaint handling and communication (complaint handling)
- severe maladministration — response to reports of disrepair to the resident’s windowsill (disrepair)
The Ombudsman ordered compensation of £4,803.37. It made 5 orders and 2 recommendations — an order binds the landlord, a recommendation does not.
- Apologise to the resident for the failings identified in the report.
- Pay the resident £4,803.37, inclusive of the £365 previously offered.
- Pay further compensation at 20% of weekly rent until the repair is complete, and provide the calculation data.
- Survey the roof to find the source of the leak and carry out any recommendations for repair.
- Survey the structure of the building, including the concrete windowsill, and remedy any hazards.
- Train staff in line with the Complaint Handling Code so complaints are actioned within required timescales. (recommendation — not binding)
- Train staff to assess potential hazards in accordance with the HHSRS, with systems to remedy them. (recommendation — not binding)
