Residents will be moved out of a large housing association block, Clare House in Bow, after inspections revealed it “cannot be kept safe without major refurbishment or demolition”.
A slumlord (or slum landlord): is a slang term for a landlord, generally an absentee landlord with more than one property, who attempts to maximize profit by minimizing spending on property maintenance, often in deteriorating neighborhoods, and to tenants that they can intimidate.
On the way to the Council..
While preparing for the full council meeting on the 29th September 2021, I received a call from a distressed resident. That he and other families in Clare House, in Bow have been told to vacate their property within 48 hours.
Clarion Housing is the Landlord of this ex-council housing block. There are over 120 families effected, who require immediate housing and then in the medium to long term need to be rehoused.
Clarion Housing Statement
In a letter to residents, seen by Inside Housing, Clarion said: “The inspections have concluded that Clare House cannot be kept safe without major refurbishment or demolition and rebuilding. Either option will involve several years of construction activity and will cause very significant disruption for anyone living in Clare House.
“For this reason, we have decided the only course of action is to rehouse all Clare House residents permanently in suitable alternative accommodation. We are going to begin this process as soon as possible, without delay.”
Residents will be moved from the top five floors of the block on the Monteith Estate, near Victoria Park in east London, with meetings set to be held today to discuss housing needs.
The letter added: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but one we have taken to help keep you and your household safe and housed appropriately. We will do everything in our power to help you with the move, minimise disruption and find you a suitable new permanent home.”
Allegations of a history of neglect by Clarion Housing Group
Clarion Housing Group has been a topic of discussion in the council for a long time. As one of the largest Landlord in Tower Hamlets, councillors have had their casework inbox full with complaints about Clarion Housing Group. In particular allegations of neglect in terms of housing management and maintenance.
In terms of Clare House, residents have been raising concerns in regards to fire safety since 2017, following the tragedy of the Glenfell fire tragedy. So there is shock and anger, that five years later, a clearance is carried out with no notice or warnings.
Speaking to residents, there is a lack of trust with Clarion Housing Group, due to past and current behaviour. 24 hours later, after notices have been given out, Clarion have failed to live up to promises made when the initial notice have been given.
What is more shocking to all concerned is the lack of transparency and accountability. With many calling for Tower Hamlets Council and elected officials to step in and take over from Clarion Housing, under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
Will the Council step up, and step in?
Recent Comments