Tanya Hall, a 42-year-old single mother and healthcare assistant, finds herself in a desperate situation, having lost nearly everything in a protracted four-year battle against pervasive mold and damp in her London home. Forced to vacate the property with her two sons and seek refuge with her mother, Tanya estimates she has lost over £14,000 worth of belongings, including clothing, bedding, and mattresses, all destroyed by the relentless mold. The situation is further complicated by her nine-year-old son, Haiden, who is autistic and non-verbal, making the upheaval and constant change incredibly distressing for him. The family is currently crammed into a small room at Tanya’s mother’s house, sleeping together on a single bed amidst growing mold, a far cry from the garden and familiar comforts Haiden once enjoyed.
The nightmare began in 2014 when Tanya first moved into the property managed by A2dominion, a housing association based in Ealing, West London. Initially, she noticed unusually high electricity bills but couldn’t pinpoint the cause. Six years later, her mother discovered discolored tiles in the garden, revealing a leaking valve that spewed scalding water, creating the perfect environment for damp and the subsequent mold infestation. Despite repeated attempts to address the issue with A2dominion, Tanya claims the problem has persisted, escalating to the point where she felt compelled to contact social services out of concern for her son’s well-being.
The family’s current living situation is dire. Tanya’s mother’s three-bedroom house is overcrowded, with the living room now serving as storage for their salvaged belongings. Haiden’s behavioral challenges, exacerbated by the disruption and unfamiliar environment, make finding suitable alternative housing extremely difficult. Tanya explains that Haiden lacks hazard awareness, meaning they cannot live above the second floor. The constant uncertainty and cramped living conditions are taking a toll on the entire family, particularly Haiden, who thrives in outdoor spaces but is now confined to a mold-affected room. Tanya strives to remain resilient for her sons, demonstrating that despite setbacks, one must persevere.
The temporary relocation to her mother’s house, initially estimated to last eight weeks for repairs in May 2023, has stretched into an indefinite stay, leaving the family in limbo. Tanya feels abandoned by A2dominion, claiming they have offered no viable solutions or alternative accommodations. She emphasizes the housing association’s responsibility to provide a safe and habitable home, arguing that it is their duty to rectify the situation, not hers. The mold issue has spread to her mother’s house, further compounding their difficulties and reinforcing the urgency of finding a permanent solution.
The impact of this ordeal on Haiden has been particularly heartbreaking. He struggled to adapt to the new environment, taking months to settle in. He misses his garden, his familiar routines, and the specially designed outdoor space Tanya created for him. The upheaval has also disrupted his schooling, with Tanya removing him for two weeks during kitchen renovations, a necessary step but one that added to his distress. The lack of a proper kitchen and the inability to prepare his preferred cooked meals further compounded the challenges.
Desperate for a resolution, Tanya launched a GoFundMe campaign to replace the items lost to mold and to support her family during this difficult time. She feels she has exhausted all other avenues and is left with no other choice but to appeal to the public for help. Tanya continues to fight for a safe and stable home for her children, determined to provide them with the security and stability they deserve. The ongoing battle with A2dominion has left her feeling exhausted and defeated, but she remains resolute in her quest for a resolution. The Sun has contacted A2 Dominion for comment, but as of yet, Tanya and her family remain in a precarious and uncertain situation.
