Birmingham Council Tenant's Six-Year Housing Horror: Sewer Under Bedroom and Rat Infestation
A Birmingham city council tenant has endured a six-year nightmare, living with a rat infestation and recently discovering a live sewer under her bedroom floor, all while paying £1,200 per month for what has been deemed an unsafe home and temporary housing.
The Discovery of the Sewer and Ongoing Rat Problem
The 28-year-old resident, who moved into her Kingstanding flat after a year on the waiting list, soon noticed signs of pests, including rat faeces and chewed wires. For years, she battled the infestation, but the situation escalated when council investigations revealed a live manhole beneath her bedroom floor. This discovery explained why anyone sleeping in the room fell ill, with the tenant claiming to have suffered pneumonia from sewer fumes.
The council had previously advised her to open windows and use dehumidifiers for dampness, unaware of the sewer's presence. She described the flat as "unhabitable," noting that the sewer connects to others in the area, flushing waste visibly.
Financial and Personal Toll
Despite being relocated to temporary accommodation on Hagley Road while repairs are underway, the tenant must pay £700 monthly for her council home and an additional £500 for the temporary housing, totaling £1,200. This financial strain compounds her distress, as she lost her job at a law firm due to frequent work-from-home requirements to accommodate workmen.
"I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep, I just feel hopeless at this point. This is my last resort," she told BirminghamLive. Her mental health has deteriorated, and she fears returning to the property will trap her with the issues indefinitely.
Failed Bids and Legal Action
Efforts to secure a new two-bed property have been futile, with bids consistently placing her around 700th on the waiting list. She refused earlier compensation offers, insisting on a resolution that has yet to materialize. The tenant has contacted the housing ombudsman, local councillor, and her MP, and is now seeking legal advice.
Over Christmas, she returned from a week at her mother's to find rat faeces covering the floor and food destroyed. The ongoing works require furniture removal and carpet lifting in her bedroom to access the sewer, turning it into a construction site.
Council Response and Ongoing Issues
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson expressed regret for the anxiety caused, stating that temporary accommodation was provided due to the necessary works. Contractors are completing repairs, with plans for a post-works survey and rat treatment. An officer will offer ongoing support.
However, the tenant remains skeptical, citing six years of unresolved complaints. She believes rats enter through the sewer, and without a permanent solution, the cycle will continue. Her story highlights broader issues in council housing, urging action to prevent similar cases.
