Key Points
- A Plaistow family faces eviction from their council home in January due to unpaid rent.
- Tenant Shauni-Leigh Tyson claims severe damp and mould have caused significant health problems for her family.
- The issues allegedly worsened her partner Adam’s health and ability to work.
- Newham Council says it is working with the family to find an “equitable solution” to prevent eviction.
- The council has reminded tenants that rent must continue to be paid, even in the event of disputes or property issues.
- Tyson reports major property damage and says she has had to dispose of furniture, bedding, and clothing.
- The family has lived in the Plaistow property since 2014, after being placed there by the council.
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about the condition of some social housing in East London.
Why is the family facing eviction?
The family is due to be evicted from their Plaistow home by Newham Council due to outstanding rent arrears. The council confirmed that a possession order has been set for 23 January 2026, just weeks after the holiday period.
As reported by Joe Coughlan (MyLondon), Tyson said the problems began years ago when the council allocated the home to her in 2014. She stated that the property soon became affected by persistent damp and mould issues, which allegedly worsened over time and made it difficult for her partner to continue working regularly.
She said:
“It’s affected one of my children’s health to the point where she needed a pump, steroids and antihistamines.”
Tyson said these health problems have also impacted her family’s ability to meet financial obligations, ultimately leading to rent arrears.
What impact has damp and mould had on the family’s health?
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Tyson recounted severe health issues triggered by what she described as “extremely bad damp and mould.” Her daughter’s respiratory condition reportedly became so serious that she now requires daily medication to manage her symptoms.
“My daughter has to use a pump and take steroids; it breaks my heart that the conditions in our own home could be making her ill,”
Tyson said, as quoted by LDRS / MyLondon.
She further detailed that the family has frequently been forced to throw away household belongings that became unsalvageable due to mould growth.
“I’ve had to chuck away two sofas, bedding, books, bags – anything you can think of that is related to the home, I’ve had to chuck away. Curtains, clothes – a lot of clothes, mattresses, bed sheets,”
she added.
The family insists that such losses have placed an additional financial burden on them, compounding the problem of unpaid rent.
How has Newham Council responded?
In response to MyLondon’s request for comment, Newham Council said it is working with the tenant to seek an “equitable solution” that avoids eviction where possible.
A spokesperson for the council stated:
“We are aware of the issues reported in this property and are in active communication with the tenant. Our team is committed to finding an equitable solution to resolve rent arrears while ensuring tenants live in safe and secure conditions.”
However, the council also reiterated that financial obligations remain in place even amid housing disputes.
“Tenants must continue to pay their rent, even in the event of a dispute with a landlord or while repairs are being investigated,”
the spokesperson added, echoing general tenancy regulations.
The council has not confirmed whether remedial works have been carried out or are scheduled, but officials assert they are reviewing the case in light of the family’s circumstances.
What are the wider concerns about damp and mould in social housing?
The case shines light on a broader issue across London — the increasing number of complaints about mould, damp, and poor housing conditions in social housing properties.
Following several high-profile cases, including the tragic death of toddler Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2020 due to prolonged mould exposure, councils and housing authorities have faced calls for urgent inspection reforms and stricter maintenance standards.
According to data from the English Housing Survey (2023), approximately 3% of all homes in England were reported to suffer from damp-related problems, with a disproportionately high concentration in social housing and older council-managed properties.
Housing campaigners including Shelter and the London Tenants Federation have long argued that inadequate repair standards and underfunded maintenance budgets have led to unsafe living environments for vulnerable families.
What does the law say about rent and disputes?
Under UK tenancy law, tenants are still required to pay rent even if repair works are outstanding, unless a court orders otherwise. Disputes about property condition or disrepair typically fall under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which places responsibility on landlords — including councils and housing associations — to ensure properties are maintained in a habitable condition.
However, failure to pay rent, even under hardship or dispute, can still lead to enforcement actions such as possession orders or eviction notices.
Speaking to LDRS, housing rights experts emphasised that tenants facing similar issues should document disrepair, seek environmental health assessments, and apply for discretionary housing payments if financial difficulties arise due to housing conditions.
How has the public reacted?
The situation has sparked strong public reaction online, particularly after the story gained attention on MyLondon News and was shared widely on social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Many users expressed outrage that a family facing ongoing health struggles and poor housing conditions could be evicted soon after Christmas.
Others voiced sympathy for Newham Council’s position, noting the strain local authorities face over unpaid rent and housing shortages.
Residents in Plaistow and Newham have called on the council to prioritise repairs and support for struggling families rather than resorting to eviction.
What happens next?
As of this week, the eviction order remains scheduled for 23 January 2026. The family is hoping that discussions with Newham Council will result in a stay of eviction or an alternative housing arrangement.
Tyson said she remains “hopeful but scared” about what the coming weeks will bring. “We don’t want to be on the streets after Christmas,” she told LDRS, adding that she hopes the council will “listen and help rather than punish.”
The council has reiterated that communication channels remain open with the family and that case officers are working to explore “alternative solutions” in compliance with housing law.
