Residents of Queen’s Court, a housing block in Clifton, Bristol, are voicing their frustrations over what they describe as “squalid” living conditions, with issues including rising rents, pervasive black mould, and threats of eviction. These concerns have drawn the attention of Carla Denyer, the Green MP for Bristol Central, who has called for urgent action from the property management company, City Estates.

During a recent visit to Queen’s Court, Denyer expressed her shock at the living conditions, noting a litany of problems that residents face. In a letter to City Estates, she outlined the numerous issues reported by tenants, including “damp, mould and rot; failing pipe work; water leaking into properties; no access to water for days at a time; filthy brown waste water coming up through the plug hole of a bath, and much more.”

Denyer condemned what she referred to as “disproportionate” rent increases and shared alarming reports that some tenants have been threatened with eviction despite the poor living conditions. “I was absolutely appalled to see the frankly squalid conditions that residents at Queen’s Court are being forced to live in,” she stated. The MP has urged City Estates to engage with residents directly to address their concerns and ensure the company meets its legal obligations.

Concerns among residents have been heightened by the distribution of energy performance certificates and ‘How to Rent’ guides, indicating legal steps are being taken that may precede evictions. Many residents interpret these actions as a sign that they could soon be facing eviction notices. Denyer noted her disappointment with City Estates’ reluctance to communicate meaningfully with the tenants, asserting, “All that these tenants are asking for is a decent place to live at a fair price.”

Local Green councillors, Serena Ralston and George Calascione, who were elected last May, have also been supporting the tenants in their struggle. Cllr Ralston commented on the longstanding issues at Queen’s Court, expressing her frustration that, despite some repairs, tenants continue to endure significant problems. “Residents who have complained are trying to improve poor conditions which have the clear potential to damage their health and their mental wellbeing,” she highlighted, noting particular concern for young families living in the block.

Testimonies from tenants reflect the gravity of the situation. One unnamed resident described their experience as “a fight against mould and water issues,” while another articulated feelings of despair and frustration, stating, “I feel trapped in this place… This whole building is made out of depression and black mould and it is exhausting.”

Despite repeated requests from residents for a meeting, City Estates has not yet agreed to engage with them. Bristol Live has reached out to the property management company for a statement but has not received a response.

Bristol City Council has acknowledged its role in addressing these issues, revealing it issued two Civil Penalty Notices in October 2023 to City Estates for failing to comply with licensing conditions and improvement notices. A spokesperson for the council stated, “Property licensing schemes give us powers to be able to inspect and investigate properties to make sure homes are being well managed and meet minimum standards.” They encouraged tenants experiencing similar issues to report them and indicated that the council continues to work with residents to provide necessary support.

As tenants at Queen’s Court continue to navigate their challenging circumstances, they remain in a state of uncertainty, hoping that their voices will lead to meaningful change in their living conditions.

Source: Noah Wire Services