Residents of Fellows Court in Hoxton have issued an ultimatum to newly-elected Green Mayor Zoë Garbett: address the 'disgraceful' conditions in their block or they will escalate the matter to the Regulator of Social Housing. In an open letter, the Fellow Residents Action Group (FRAG) detailed years of leaks, filth, and disrepair, calling the situation 'indefensible'.
Long-standing issues
Since 2023, occupants have repeatedly raised complaints about the 'atrocious' state of the building, including hot water outages, leaks, and security failures. In March, severe flooding left four flats waterlogged and uninhabitable. In May, another round of leaks and a boiler breakdown left residents without hot water or heating for most of the day.
Residents' frustrations
82-year-old retiree Cathy, who has lived at Fellows Court for over 30 years, often climbs stairs to her 13th-floor flat due to lift failures. 'Half our time shouldn't be employed in phoning the council... Living here is a full-time job,' she said. Another resident, Max, reported a 70-year-old with asthma was trapped in a lift that stopped between floors.
Dave Coleman, FRAG chair, noted that at least two residents slipped on wet floors in the lobby. He added that the building's sixth boiler in three years has failed, leaving brown stains from burst pipes in homes. Residents use electric heaters while still paying service charges.
Fire risks and unfinished works
Unfinished corridor works have left wall cavities exposed and filled with rubbish. After stripping communal cladding years ago, the council has yet to replace internal panelling, creating fire hazards. The group's letter claims the council's inaction breaches the Landlord and Tenant Act, Awaab's Law, and the Housing Act.
Ultimatum to the council
Residents demand a full schedule of major works, refunds for service charges, and a site inspection by Mayor Garbett and Deputy Mayor Dylan Law. If not met, they will escalate to the Housing Ombudsman and the Regulator of Social Housing. Coleman expressed disappointment that no action has been taken since the letter was hand-delivered on June 3.
'It's getting ridiculous. There's been no communication whatsoever,' Coleman said, questioning their vote for the Green Party. He added that residents are considering withholding rent and service charges.
Council response
Statutory Deputy Mayor Cllr Dylan Law called the conditions 'unacceptable' and promised improvements, including replacing the communal heating system and an extensive clean and redecoration. 'The works are complex, but once we have agreement on costs, timelines, and legal approval, we will bring in approved contractors,' he said.
The council declined to address all claims but stated it would respond to residents directly.
