My hell hole flat is infested with slugs and I’m living without hot water… it’s so bad I’ve contemplated taking my life
A MUM has slammed a housing association after being left in her slug infested “horrific” flat for more than two years – and says she's been left suicidal because of the conditions.
Rosemarie, 39, lives with her two sons in the leaking flat in Muswell Hill, North London, where the family have been left without hot water for months.
The mum-of-two claims she and her children struggle to wash properly before going to school, and her home has severe heating issues.
Rosemarie moved into the flat in 2020, which is run by Peabody housing association, but after just nine days a huge leak began damaging her kitchen ceiling.
She also has slugs coming through a gap in the back door to the property, which has not been sealed properly.
The family were hit with massive flood damage in January, which left her sons’ bedroom completely destroyed.
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She was forced to give up her own bed so her sons could sleep, and the majority of their possessions were destroyed.
Rosemarie told : “First, the bathroom radiator wasn’t working. They came and they tried to fix it, but it still just comes on now and again.
“The radiator in the kids’ bedroom is constantly leaking as well. With the hot water, when you put your hand under it, it’s warm. But seconds later when you put it on your body, it’s cold.
“There’s such a big gap around it - they tried to patch it up but it didn’t work. I’ve got slugs coming through the gap.”
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Rosemarie believes that Peabody are not taking her mental health conditions into account, and feels she's been left with no option other than to leave her home.
She added: “It’s long term, but since I moved to that property it’s been really bad. I’ve got days when I want to commit suicide
“As soon as I get home, there are days when I’ve wanted to take my own life.
“I don’t want to move out, but with the conditions I have to move.”
A spokesman from Peabody said: "We are very sorry about the ongoing issues with Rosemarie's home and understand her concerns, which we’re trying to resolve.
“Our surveyor and repairs contractor visited the property again yesterday to carry out a full inspection and we will be starting a programme of work straight away to fix these issues.
"Our local team will also be contacting Rosemarie to provide any extra support she needs.
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“We are aware of the leak and hot water issues affecting the property and are working to get this resolved as quickly as possible.
"We’re committed to proactively tackling problems like this and investing in people’s homes for the long term. "
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
- Movember,
- Anxiety UK , 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
