A young family has endured bed bug infestations and mould outbreaks for nearly four years in a London flat owned by Sanctuary Housing, one of the UK's largest housing providers. Jade Sullivan and her husband, along with their three children, moved into the maisonette in Pimlico in February 2019 and quickly discovered the building was plagued by pests and damp.
The family claims Sanctuary Housing was aware of the issues before they moved in but failed to address them adequately. The housing provider did not deny the allegations when approached. The Sullivans say their health is deteriorating, with daily bed bug bites and mould exposure. Mr Sullivan required urgent treatment for a chest infection thought to be mould-induced, while Mrs Sullivan, who has bipolar disorder, fears an episodic breakdown due to lack of sleep.
The children, twins aged 10 and a seven-year-old, have permanent scars from bites and struggle at school because of sleep deprivation. The family has been temporarily moved out three times over three years for damp and mould work, but the measures only provide short-term relief. Heat treatments have failed to resolve the problem.
Mrs Sullivan described the conditions as 'despicable', stating she hasn't had a proper night's sleep in over 45 nights. She said she is trapped in a cycle of washing blood-stained sheets and dealing with mouldy clothing. The bugs enter through air vents and walls, affecting other residents as well. Sanctuary acknowledged in an email that the problem impacts others in the building.
The couple, who have been Sanctuary tenants since 2006, have lost thousands of pounds worth of vintage clothing and possessions to damp. Mr Sullivan said his wife's mental health is deteriorating daily, and the stress is straining their relationship and the children's wellbeing. A Sanctuary spokesperson said they are in regular contact with Ms Sullivan and are committed to resolving the issues.
