Structural issues

Podcast, Story

Daniela’s story

Daniela is a local authority tenant in South London. She spent 20 years living in her family home in a tower block in South London before was moved out by the landlord, Southwark Council in 2017, due to fire and structural safety issues. She and her young daughter were then moved to another block in the borough, which also has significant disrepair problems.
Image by Humphrey Bolton. Tower blocks off Mixenden Road, Mixenden As seen from the bridleway near Leighton Farm. Image by Humphrey Bolton. Tower blocks off Mixenden Road, Mixenden As seen from the bridleway near Leighton Farm.

Guide

I’m worried my block has ACM (aluminium composite material) cladding

Aluminium composite material cladding (ACM) was found to be one of the factors in the Grenfell Tower fire. If you want to check the safety and composition of your own building, here's what to know.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Upson - geograph.org.uk/p/119968 cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Upson - geograph.org.uk/p/119968

Guide

I’m worried my building is Large Panel System

Large Panel System is a method of construction that was popular in the 60s but has since been found to be potentially unsafe. If you think your building may be LPS, here's what to do.

Letter

Telling your landlord about other structural issues

Write to your landlord to let them know about broken or damaged parts of your building. It's good to have it in writing!

Letter

Telling your landlord about structural issues that may indicate a fire risk (cracks in the walls, leaking windows, etc)

If you have spotted signs of breached compartmentation in your flat, like cracks, leaking windows or broken cladding, use this letter to notify your landlord.
A rolled up towel on a window sill. Image by Mr Tin DC A rolled up towel on a window sill. Image by Mr Tin DC

Guide

The windows of my flat are leaking

What should you do if water is coming in through the edges of your windows? It can be a problem with the window frames or it might point to structural issues with your block.
A crack in the wall A crack in the wall

Guide

There are cracks in the walls of my flat

Cracks in the walls, ceiling or floors are always a concern - and might point to more serious issues.
Image by Craig Whitehead - a man wipes condensation from a window Image by Craig Whitehead - a man wipes condensation from a window

Guide

There is condensation in my flat

Condensation is a common problem in tower blocks, and it can add to issues with mould or damp.
Image by Pete Birkinshaw - a mushroom growing on a damp carpet near a wall Image by Pete Birkinshaw - a mushroom growing on a damp carpet near a wall

Guide

Water is leaking from another flat

Leaking pipes are a problem in any type of home, but in a tower block you are also at risk of water leaking into your flat from the units above or to each side of yours.