Made in London: the TikTok star taking on poor social housing | Made in Britain

Kwajo Tweneboa watched his father die in a damp, dilapidated flat. Then he took on the system, harnessing the power of social media to make change with videos exposing attrocious conditions in social housing all across London.
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#MadeInBritain #MadeInLondon #SocialHousing #KwajoTweneboa #TikTok #HousingCrisis #London

[@EllaBoadu]

Landlords who ignore claims of black mould should be criminally charged.

[@EllaBoadu]

@@wingaard Black mould is caused by several different factors such as poor ventilation and not just because of tenants who do not clean. It’s a very narrow minded suggestion to believe it’s caused mostly by immigrants when the video stated a lot of the time these properties had black mould existing prior to move in. I’m sure the households have not been immigrant only throughout the years…

[@alexsmith5537]

Unfortunately just landlords saying open the window but never blame themselves why people should pay rent and suffering because of thosee issues If landlords needed to get the property is fit for habitation certificate from council then people didn't have those problems

[@alexsmith5537]

@@EllaBoadu most of the time because of construction issue

[@abdifatahcheick5198]

@@alexsmith5537 hi I saw my house toxic mould and black mould with the kitchen and bedroom so I spoke to my landlord but there’s nothing change he said open the window and I have baby boy who’s 8 months could I break my contract to look for another better house cuz I’m worried a lot 😢

[@seansands424]

The whole system got to change

[@simongigney2138]

Usually I've no time for "influencers" but this? Bravo lad, I think this is an amazing use of this social media outlet. I salute ya morals dude

[@serin7318]

Absolutely.

[@tauruscommunist9532]

@@adam-eo7vy tik tok pays very very poorly. They only way he'd make money is through brand deals. He's not doing this for money, although he deserves it

[@akomawrites]

Worth emulating 👏🏾

[@Delightfullala]

Love to see this

[@pumpkinpatch5]

Yes, well done that lad! 👏👏👏

[@sarahsmyth5383]

this is what social media should be used for instead of taking selfies allday kudos to this young man.

[@laurenloh1412]

@@tabularasa7775 bro you realise that mould is usually a structural matter which acnt change anything

[@farmplantsandseeds]

I couldn’t agree more, and this guy is lucky though, because usually such ‘dogooders’ get banned from social media, by the powers that be that don’t want change. (I was ban from Facebook for trying to combat petty thefts).

[@damarisalmanzar1470]

They need to have criminal charges made against landlords who care so little about human beings. This is disturbing

[@Some_No_Mai]

@@tabularasa7775 I hope on every energy and entity in this world. Whether physical or metaphysical curses you for all eternity.

[@1violalass]

@@tabularasa7775 A landlord is responsible for fixing damp. They own the property and benefit from the rent. And did you miss the part where mould paint had been used repeatedly on the lady's flat but the mould kept coming back? i.e. the flat was very damp and it was not solving the problem despite the lady keeping her windows open and heating on. As for knocking your spends off the rent, it's not that straight forward. If you don't pay your rent in full, you risk being evicted.

[@mt3930]

@@tabularasa7775 I get the feeling that you only watched part of the video. I would recommend watching it from start to finish. Most, if not all, of the tenants interviewed made it clear that they were doing everything they could to stop the damp and mould but nothing was working because of how severe the problem is. You mentioned that the homes are 'THEIR HOMES' but they're not - they belong to the landlords/council, who have legal (and moral) responsibility to fix problems like this. Tenants are paying rent to live in these homes - they should be safe and liveable.

[@thornyback]

This was heartbreaking. Especially since so many people are doing it to themselves. Some is because of bad landlords, some is obviously the result of overcrowding and lack of ventilation.

[@thornyback]

@@1violalass Did you miss the part where 3 kids were sleeping in the same room and the mold was forming because of condensation, not a leak. Too many bodies breathing in the same room without enough airflow through the room. This is due to lack of knowledge about to vent out your home economically: You open ALL windows and doors for just long enough to get new outside air into every space. Then you close and within an hour it's back to normal temperature bc. we haven't allowed the things inside of the home to cool down. All vents should be open unless there is a storm.

[@katcampbell9213]

This bought me to tears, I grew up in social housing and had bad asthma also living in a mouldy flat, I remember slugs dropping into the bath the walls were so rotten and damp. I am now in a private house and no longer in social housing but my heart goes out SO much to those waiting on repairs and having to live in terrible conditions. I still deep down have a poverty mindset that I am working on releasing because growing up poor really does stay with you for life

[@DogsWallop]

She can sort it herself its not hard to clean mold off the walls and report it to the council its because shes lazy too busy in Instagram to clean her life

[@jeng.t5947]

Yes and no,ive lived in private rental which was just under the stairs and the bathroom was very humid and my bedroom as well, I will clean every 2 weeks with bleach and it’ll come back again.LAndlord used to tell it’s because the house was tiny and packed and also I used to dry wet clothes on the rack inside which causes condensations…but it was because of the total lack of insulation,all the rooms were super cold.

[@lsim261]

@@DogsWallop it will come back if not properly addressed and investigated.

[@jayess8233]

Agree with this so much, growing up poor is so traumatic and really has stayed with me. I too am trying my best to rid myself of that horrible poverty mindset. Perception is everything.

[@angelamarsters9169]

To Reeves pieces I have had a damp mouldy house before you can clean it and bleach over and again and if it's set in it just keeps coming back.

[@lookingup2174]

Did you get that, they said she made herself overcrowded......are they in effect saying that she should not have anymore kids? That landlord should be held accountable, as they are ridiculous.

[@sarahb2903]

This story is as old as times, the renters being blamed for property damage whether this is social housing or private landlords. I've experience both and either are any good. There needs to be caps put in place of how many houses someone should own.. the renting market is a disgrace in the UK.

[@genghiskhansbabymomma5649]

Landleeches always talk about raising rents for repair costs but it never happens, serious problem

[@bsolutions525]

Why don't you earn more so you can afford your own place?

[@Bogna1]

@@bsolutions525 There isn't such thing like own place when you buy a flat.

[@bsolutions525]

@@Bogna1 it's still different from renting. So long you pay your mortgage nobody can kick you out.

[@Bogna1]

@@bsolutions525 OK, but what I can do if they are issues with the roof that for example causing the mold problem in the flat? I cannot report it to the council as this is my own property but cannot fix it by myself either as roof doesn't belong to me. I am a woman in my early forties who is sick of renting and thinking about buying a flat but I am afraid of problems like that. I cannot effort a house but actually proper flat for single person is more than enough. However not sure if this is worth it. Maybe mobile park home would be better deal.

[@Kanyin.O]

What made me even sadder at the state of affairs is when Latisha said she wants to go back to uni and get her teacher training qualification to be able to buy her own home which I applaud. However, how much do teachers earn on average? Even the mortgage, how long will it take to save the deposit required with multiple kids to look after (some ill)? On top of that, mortgage rates are just crazy. The whole housing system just seems deeply unfair and like a trap

[@teainortakoy]

True, she'd have to move right out of London like way up north. A few years ago, I got a 1 bed flat through shared ownership on probably the lower end of a teachers wage but with no kids. I'm just under an hour from London and even now, any 2 bed within that distance is unaffordable for me.

[@karmellla]

@@teainortakoy same, I got a shared ownership 2 bed house on an education admin average wage. But I’m leeds. No chance in London

[@icilmaa]

She would have to move out of London.

[@convictednotcondemned3483]

Biggest trap that’s why when you get in you make a five year plan to get out unfortunately the state of the economy is setting back many while the rich politicians fatten up their pockets

[@jennim282]

Teachers are struggling themselves to pay their mortgages.

[@alishahazmin]

We grew up in a damp home. My baby sister who was born February 1992 she developed phenomonia at 2 weeks old due to the damp and cold. She was prescribed antibiotics as a result was increased which caused her brain damage. Damp conditions is not a joke its serious. It has ruined her life and our life she is fully dependent on us her family to provide her 24/7 care.

[@Lovely_1One]

I am so sorry to hear that! Prayers to you and your family! 🙏🏽❤️

[@julesniles4478]

The reason that their getting damp is because the government have used very cheap material to build the properties and that is the basis of the continuous problem for so many years & decades

[@user-cg7ps6wq8v]

This is work that matters. Regardless of financial situation, every person on this earth should be able to lay their head at night and feel safe in their environment. There seems to be an attitude of 'take what you're given and keep quiet' when you're not financially wealthy and it is nasty. Thank you for exposing the deep and disgusting issues within social housing and giving a voice to seldom-heard groups. Thank you Kwajo Tweneboa.

[@kateturner1849]

Get a job!!!!!!!! Then you won't NEED social help. Taxpayers are funding you. Be grateful and fix it YOURSELF!!!!!!!!! The "entitlement" is gross 😡

[@user-cg7ps6wq8v]

@@kateturner1849 social housing does not = joblessness. People with social housing pay rent, they pay taxes, they have jobs too. People like you have clearly never been in need of support and that is great but that is not the majority. Get a grip. It’s not entitlement, have you seen the cost of private renting?

[@kateturner1849]

@@user-cg7ps6wq8v By the way - I went through hard times FAR more than you can imagine but that was MY problem to fix - no one else's. Isn't she lucky to have a council flat. So blessed. And she complains and makes more babies????????? Nonsense! Take your sympathy to those who deserve it - the elderly, the disabled and orphans. The rest need to man up, woman up and take care of THEMSELVES. This woman made conscious decisions to have baby after baby. Her choice, her problem - and hers ALONE! Zero sympathy. As for rent, she pays a council minimum. Again, she chose to be there - she's free to move. Maybe with one of the fathers that she made kids with? I'm responsible and dragged MYSELF up and worked two jobs. I feel nothing for this entitled whiner. She must move.

[@user-cg7ps6wq8v]

@@kateturner1849 Alright Kate.

[@TN-ie8kd]

@@kateturner1849 I see exactly who you are with your stereotyping. Very covert indeed

[@svprior]

Just in awe of this beautiful man, wish there were more social warriors like him in the world. Wish him all the success in his mission.

[@fathimashares]

Massive respect to this lad!! As someone who grew up in temporary council houses in Brent, my family also went through this! Me and my father got asthma from the mold in the houses which even after years of going to docs and council and back and forth after 15years we finally moved into a newly built flat but my dad passed away to his Lungs collapsing to the asthma he got from early on. I'm now 25 and still have asthma but im greatful that we live in a nice permanent home. Not everyone has the same privilege and I would love to go into this type of work and help people!

[@fathimashares]

@@rosildalima610 what on earth are you talking about? Did you even read what I said, respect to the lad who made this series. Also you lack empathy, this is nothing to do with being able to afford for your children.

[@fathimashares]

@@tabularasa7775 we did a lot of things back then the landlord kept sorting it out with mold paint and stuff but the building itself was old and not well ventilated so it kept coming back. Also back then it was like 12 years ago these devices like dehumidifier and humidifiers weren't really a thing.

[@davidjones3712]

@@fathimashares dehumidifiers definitely existed 20 plus years ago....

[@fathimashares]

@@davidjones3712 they may have existed but it's wasn't a THING...do you get it?

[@davidjones3712]

@@fathimashares sorry no, I don't get it. I'm trying not to be facetious in telling you they existed and were readily available for purchase 20 years ago...

[@OhNoSweetie...]

Well done Brother Tweneboa. You've done your dad proud in Heaven✝️ It's bad when councils have to be publicly shamed into action. To think they've just been collecting their paychecks, taxes and rent, then using that SAME blame game script on tenants 40+ years on. Those who prattle on about their tax dollars, crime and such should be looking into some transparency/accountability spending reports in their area. It's all tied to social responsibility and quality of life and affects EVERYONE in the community.

[@e11esounds]

❤

[@florencesmith291]

What a positive way to use social media and as someone who has dealt with both Lambeth and Wandsworth council, I applaud you.

[@KellySmunt303]

I'm in private rent and it's just as bad.

[@LadyInner24]

This young man is remarkable. Thank you for your continuous act of service to the community. The authorities should be ashamed of themselves. Absolute disgrace!

[@RR-xf4rl]

I pray for this young lady and her kids and hope that she can be able to buy her own place some day. It breaks my heart to see this because I was born in Brazil and used to live in very similar conditions. There was no council housing and my family didn’t have the money to rebuild the walls/the bathroom so we just cleaned the mould as often as needed. My grandma has asthma as well and I’ve lost count how many times she was hospitalised for serious health issues caused by respiratory insufficiency. No one should have to live like this.

[@Qualityguy]

it's a valid question, why are you having so many kids you can't afford!?!

[@korah8]

Did you not listen further to hear she is suffering with depression, its not easy.

[@myjourney5753]

Because she's not too smart

[@nicford548]

Please please can we have more like this young man? This is the true purpose of “social media”! Bettering people’s lives!

[@Jay-oh5yk]

How is this not criminal to make people live in such unsafe conditions? Absolutely shameful Wandsworth!

[@zdenkakathyanderson7890]

No one’s forcing her to stay there she just thinks that she can keep having children and the government is going to keep housing her. She should get a job and get a private rental and get her kids out of that dangerous house

[@whatsgoinon5516]

Because the councils would be sued more than any private landlords for these issues .

[@masterbate1983]

No one is made to live anywhere. Correct lifestyle choices and individual responsibility would ensure no one lives in these conditions.

[@ymaysernameuay1113]

@@masterbate1983 What do you mean by correct lifestyle choices and individual responsibility would ensure no one lives in these conditions?

[@masterbate1983]

@@ymaysernameuay1113 Don't have children you can't afford to provide for with partners that don't pay their way and work full time. There's a surplus of jobs currently so stop asking for handouts and improve your situation through hard work and sensible choices.

[@flourbvoy1269]

Thanks for sharing this story. It's simply outrageous that anybody has to live in these kinds of conditions, and even worse, gets blamed for it.

[@shaneoldham6593]

ppl are not blamed so you have this wrong my friend livig in poor conditions does not make sense to continue having baby after baby there is contraception so why maybe looking for a nice 4 bed social house who knows

[@shh_you_are_wrong]

@@shaneoldham6593 well said, but you forget they is entitled, innit bruv

[@shaneoldham6593]

@@shh_you_are_wrong my friend no one i mean no one is entitled innit bruv we now live in a world of elite mob only they are entitled

[@shh_you_are_wrong]

@@shaneoldham6593 the elite, and those so entrenched in state handouts that they can no longer help themselves. working doesn't pay anymore...

[@MRLX54]

I was thinking the same thing this woman is choosing to be a breeding machine despite living in poor social housing conditions.

[@ladyyaya78]

I don't even know him and I'm proud of this young man. Wow! He's really making a difference.

[@jjoyce46]

It's obvious the Council and the landlords need to be held responsible! I will spread the word over here in America about that situation also! Social media can spread word fast!

[@Heytno]

Too many scummy landlords out there they should be sent to court. London’s renting situation is shocking, too many crammed together in rundown and small flats/houses. It’s awful and just depressing really…

[@snoopy63ify]

Social housing is mostly not council run. Big business housing association are usually the landlords. Privatisation of council houses.

[@LL-ip5mm]

@@Heytno exactly nothing special about London

[@kateturner1849]

Stop relying on others. Work hard, don't have kids you can't afford, stand on your own feet. The world owes you NOTHING. This "entitlement" nonsense is gross actually. Three types of people are entitled to help and ONLY THREE - the elderly, the orphans and the disabled. The rest of you - WORK! Any work!!!! In other words - GROW UP!!!!!! Take responsibility.

[@solitaryrena2688]

Love this young Man exposing the huge issues. I live in a subsidence house, one foundation footing completely crumbled away. Have a deep whole in that area of my living floor. Exterior doors and windows open or able to close certain seasons of the year. Staircase has on both sides come away from the wall the cracks are 4cm wide. Cracks around all windows. Patio door has a gap as it's bowing. Have to fill it in with cloths etc for the winter months. Boxed guttering leaks into all three bedrooms have mold that I do clean, found vinger helps. I'm disabled my son has asthma and we are both allergic to mold and dust. Been here 20 years and Council blamed the tress which they removed last Summer. Not just my home but all the tress along my side of the street. That's when I found out all my Neighbours have the same living conditions some worse than myself. One neighbour had been complaining and trying to get Council to do repairs for the past 30 years.

[@batnat8559]

I was moved into a council property in Surrey. Freshly painted and quickly black mould started everywhere. I too was told it was my fault. Leave the heating on. I'm currently still paying that gas debt 6 years on!! Well done on the progress you're making ✌🏻💜💡xx

[@yvonne.g458]

Kwajo is so needed. I have a lot of respect for him

[@imspice]

Her poor children, you can see they are affected by this. Regardless of your opinions on her over crowding situation and who is at fault for that, the fact remains that the home she is living in IS NOT up to “The Decent Homes Standard”. She needs to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau, Housing Ombudsman and Shelter Charity and take this matter further, as the landlord/association she is renting from has failed to rectify the issues. Her home is not fit to live in and this is NOT RIGHT and NOT FAIR on her and her poor children 💔

[@nurlagrande]

At the end of the day however, she knew she lived in squalor and chose to keep bringing children into that squalor. That is all on her. What does that even mean, who’s fault it is? Of course the multiplying kids is all her fault😂 tf

[@tiana2906]

@@nurlagrande exactly 💯

[@linleysmith4528]

That's breaking news to me that having children causes mould !!!!! 🥺😳 Lol 🤣

[@sweetytweety0011]

@@nurlagrande exactly. And let’s forget the damp. She lives in a small flat and does not have space for more children. It’s very selfish. Condoms fgs.

[@sarai5467]

@@nurlagrande she doesn't have mould because she has kids and she's a paying tenant and should be respected

[@Gaygamer561]

It’s disgusting that working people, who pay tax and rent, should be living in these conditions. It’s not like they’re asking for a free ride and being entitled. They are hardworking taxpayers. Disgusting!

[@Bogna1]

They don't work, they are living on benefits.

[@silverstars7882]

Nothing much has changed sadly. I grew up in 50`s and 60`s Hackney, we lived in awful conditions as well.

[@colors6692]

These are social housing tenants bruv!

[@powderandpaint14]

And the people who are not working are some of the most vulnerable in society, people who are disabled, ill or looking after small children.

[@thelovelylucinda]

@@powderandpaint14 exactly!!!

[@1Geeked]

No matter where you lie on the political spectrum, I think we can all agree that no human should be living in these conditions

[@CausticLemons7]

We're in some of the most peaceful and prosperous times in all of human history. We absolutely have the power and resources to help all of our citizens and more. There's no excuse for poverty anymore.

[@genericaccount2056]

Tory Britain

[@sophitsa79]

Conservatives believe that people bring it upon themselves, so it's their personal responsibility to fix the problem

[@MeiinUK]

@@CausticLemons7 : I also think that, if she lives on an estate, she should have some kind of "small shops with amenities" near her. And then if those owners want to move, then just sell on the business to somebody else who needs it? Isn't this what we are all striving for? A better life ? Many council housing estates DO have an actual "small shop", especially if you have babies, and do not have the amenities... or cars or transport and things like that. In every council region, there are right wing and left wing voters. It is making the effort to combine things together to make a society grow. It really is as simple as that as well.

[@terrywogan361]

Still better conditions from where they are from.

[@BottledBlueOnYouTube]

blaming the mould on the tenant and the children is next level cruel

[@claudiap6502]

What an Amazing young man, what a great way to use social media platforms🥰🥰

[@TheSpoovy]

I feel for that lady and I hope she gets her degree and buys her own place.

[@Bogna1]

I doubt it. She doesn't seem very academic.

[@mohamed6401]

@@Bogna1 "She doesn't seem very academic". What the F*** is that?.

[@Bogna1]

@@mohamed6401 how can you save money for own house in London with 4 kids by yourself? School teacher earns around 30000 per annum. Just divide this income between her and her 4 kids.

[@theresanolan1157]

@@mohamed6401 Exactly. Would love to know what an academic actually sounds like..... maybe Joanna would perchance provide us with a recording.

[@musicvideolivetv6892]

I have a masters… still can’t afford a house!

[@pollyevhillson3089]

My daughter was rushed to hospital because of mold in the house, please help this lady and her children to move asp ...… 🙏❤️ Well done young man well done x

[@mistybehaviours]

I grow up in London and my bedroom had damp, I now have asthma and eczema, my parents are Vietnamese immigrants so they knew nothing about how to deal with complaints, I only know now that I can sue for my health issues caused by damp. They also need to go through Ombudsman to seek compensation.

[@ymimad49]

this is outrageous. I used to live in govt housing here in canada and any time there is a problem, it was dealt with immediately.

[@queenbee9785]

£40 a month heating bill????!! Who Is your supplier please?? I’m on £40 a WEEK!!!😮

[@LLLewelyn]

I have been homeless for 2 years now. I do not take drugs, I have not been to prison, I am just 47 yo white male with no dependents. I do understand that flats need to be safe for kids and families, but it also hurts that simple shelter and bath would really help me out. Apparently, I am of no priority.

[@chickadee317]

That absolutely sucks more than what I can articulate, I hope things get better, really 🙏

[@caps900]

Stay strong💔 I've seen some homeless men sign up for gym membership just to get access to showers.

[@kateturner1849]

Apparently only breeders get help 😡

[@jowells6096]

In London you're looking at 7-8 years to get to the top of the list for a studio or one bed 😪🙏

[@kevinscam-u-alls901]

Thank you for fighting for the less privileged. This is very eye opening, I'm so disappointed in the public housing program for these people. It's sickening and unfair.

[@darrenscott6982]

Where is the father?? Why have children you can not take care of properly?

[@kevinscam-u-alls901]

@@darrenscott6982 I don't think that's the point. This documentary isn't about single parenting, It's about fair, and safe housing. Everyone deserves a place to call home that's free of harassment, mold, and unsafety. She's a very beautiful woman, maybe you should ask her out for a date.

[@Mgameing123]

@@darrenscott6982 Either dead, at work, cheated on her etc.

[@tonyahmorgan142]

It's a shame that no one that has the skills to treat moulding didn't offer to come out and help for free. When the council lets us down we have to be there for each other.

[@LJ-MMA]

The council just come out and paint over it, I've had this myself for 6 yrs, I've painted over my entire flat Time and time again, keep heating on windows open it just comes back if it's structural and coming from underground or a problem of the internal or external walls

[@teainortakoy]

We need the Amish, they'd build her a new house in a matter of days!

[@LJ-MMA]

@Welcome's House you could have a possible leak

[@reesepatron2320]

@Welcome's House Painting over mold is not a cure. Mold is deadly and causes permanent health damage to survivors. A professional that specializes in the termination of mold must handle the treatment. They usually wear hazmat suits during the process and the homeowner must vacate the house. It can take weeks and even months for the house to be habitable. Even it is not safe to keep the same furnishings. In some cases the structure (walls or entire building) has to be destroyed because the mold can not be contained. The housing community mentioned in this video seems to fall under that situation especially since the same issues have existed over 40 years. Imagine all the lives that were lost from negligence. smh

[@yusrahb4461]

@Welcome's House anti mould paint doesn't help. Don't waste your money. I painted in my bathroom but the mould keeps coming back

[@headron66]

Take a bow young man, you are first class! This is what influencing should be about!!!

[@Irida24]

I use to be a private tenant and was shown a property promising that they would repair everything! After I signed the contract I was given the keys in the evening and arrived in a house that was not even painted! As soon as December came one of the external walls by the staircase turned completely b l a c k! Absolutely black. I was told it is ‘condensation’ and to keep my windows open with the heat running. I stopped using my stove to avoid humidity and still our clothes smelled of mould even after been washed at 60degrees. I complained to the council and was told that nothing could be done cause I was a private tenant. The landlord was a bully and his maintenance guy kept making moves on me. One day I had to get my son to come home from school earlier cause the guy said that would come by for a cup of ‘tea’ and I could not refuse the visit cause the hot water had stopped working and was hoping he would authorise a repair. Needless to say that when my son opened the door his face dropped to the floor and he left the flat mumbling in less than 30seconds. He did not go anywhere near the boiler! I was a full time employee making about average money but not quite the 3x rent threshold required from most letting agencies, so moving out was not an opinion at the time. Life is better now but the housing situation in London is dreadful.

[@DeadlyAquarious]

He is of a different kind....Great job ....need more like him.💗

[@mariedickinson8670]

The whole problem stems from how these buildings were built with no insulation, uninsulated cavity walls, no loft insulation in roofs etc. These homes need to be demolished and rebuilt. Newer homes now have to be built to a higher echo standard. The council must know this but can not do anything about it as it would cost millions to replace substandard housing stock.

[@jayveebloggs9057]

Sure. are yu going to pay for that then?

[@powderandpaint14]

Or they want to allow the buildings to decline a much that they have to be condemned , knocked down and sold off for loads of money. When what they should be doing is replacing these buildings with high standard social housing.

[@JP0411]

@@powderandpaint14 they're just waiting for these building to collapse so they can make room for gentrification

[@luthen4464]

You could retrofit these places though, add batt insulation in the attics, spray foam into the wall cavities. But also they could issue these folks dehumidifiers. I don’t get why no one recommends these. Does the UK not sell dehumidifiers? I know a lot of the UK uses boilers and radiators for heat. That does nothing to remove the humidity. Having the windows open when you have the heat on causes condensation because of the difference in air temp. Plus the UK is rather more humid in general. Lowering the humidity level in the home is what’s going to get rid of the mold unless you literally have a leak somewhere.

[@andrewjames7027]

Cavity wall insulation - proving that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I had mine done 15 years ago and within a month my wallpaper was falling off. Walls have cavities for a reason.

[@gorgeeus]

For her housing authority to blame her for the mold is abhorrent!!! However, since her business is now on the internet for the world to see; girl why are you continuing to have children while living in council housing?

[@caps900]

Also where is the dad (or dads) of her children?

[@Livbythecode]

She’s crazy 😂

[@mariyamwaniki]

Blaming the tenant, that's their first go-to.

[@godsstrongestschizo]

go on then

[@PiOfficial]

Because almost every-time it is their fault

[@BM-ir1dr]

@@PiOfficial that's not true. I've lived in at least 10 private rents. I open windows, use mould spray, clean mould off. I have had my plants blamed! Once they even said it was too much breathing in the bedrooms. One person in each bedroom! They also say don't dry clothes in the house but if you live in a flat with no other options what do they expect you to do? Private letting agents are terrible and I've worked with many councils and they are often unhelpful but for different reasons.

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

@@PiOfficial Shhhh.... you sheep

[@PiOfficial]

@@RoseMary-vs3io why am I a sheep for disagreeing with the majority opinion?

[@linleysmith4528]

this documentary is hideous in this day and age to think that people have to live in unsafe housing the landlord doesn't give a damn we need a radical change and landlords need to be held accountable and it starts at the top echelon council housing and private slum landlords they should be really ashamed of themselves collecting the rents for these dumps 😮

[@silverstars7882]

It has always been this way. I grew up in 50`s and 60`s Hackney. Nothing much has changed sadly.

[@kevnev342]

Tiktok can be a wasteland of pointless nonsense with millions of people wasting hours away.Great to see a smart and contentious young man use tiktok is a intelligent way.

[@missrobertson45]

I totally agree. I've avoided TikTok for that reason. I'm proud to see it being used in an intelligent and productive way by this young man

[@hiswillbedone642]

I ended up suing Lambeth council for mould TWICE… I’ve finally been moved due to mobility issues only for Lambeth to move me into a house where the stairlift doesn’t work and they had prior knowledge of this WEEKS before giving me the tenancy. It stopped working in June it’s now October and still no stairlift bare in mind I’m disabled. Once the toilet ds stopped working they said because I have one upstairs it’s not considered an emergency. I said even though I’m disabled and my stairlift doesn’t work he said yes. I’m telling you these ppl don’t care. This is what an influencer should look like. Thank you so much young man. Hats off to you, I’m in awe.

[@lovedaybebe5881]

I’ve lived in social housing , and suffered from the housing associations absolute lack of care , and consideration . Damp, cold , crumbling buildings. People mistakenly think that , tenants get everything paid for. Very very few people do. It was bad decades ago, I can’t imagine how it must be now . Ironically the headquarters of the housing association , was down the road from me. A luxurious building, warm, insulated and attractive ! Nice cars in the car park !

[@SobrietyandSolace]

I have asthma and severe allergies and am in a damp flat. We have an electric dehumidifier and I buy 20 odd wardrobe dehumidifiers a month but it’s still 85% humidity all the time and during the heatwave 35c indoors giving me constant tachycardia and asthma attacks. The council have been and don’t care, the property had structural issues, broken drainpipes etc before I moved in. To add insult to injury I wondered why my water use went from 56l to 250l in one period and the outside tap was leaking. The housing association refused to fix it for ages claiming it wasn’t leaking until limescale stock the hose attachment to it. So they replaced the whole tap and then charged me £75 claiming that I installed the tap myself when it was already there… just like the mould and several leaks

[@m.m.m.m.4648]

The major thing is that people living in council blocks can’t afford to pay for private renting, most often because „no job” etc. If you work hard you can live pretty decent life here. Do not rely on the goverment- rely on yourself!

[@ananimartha2360]

Very true. Work hard savevmoney

[@jaybenjamin8471]

Bless your father's memory. I can imagine he is super proud of you 🙏🏽✝️

[@ummzainab]

Well done for highlighting these issues. Most Councils seem to be more concerned about combating air pollution and setting up LTNs but completely ignore the extremely poor conditions people in social housing are facing that directly impact their health!

[@rufdymond]

The gentleman that pointed out about running things down is spot on - they will run these properties down to the point where they have to move people out. They will then be demolished, the land sold for millions and private developers will build unaffordable properties on the land. It’s happening all over Britain……

[@aabbb5688]

This goes back to the class system that is so so pervasive in the UK. The working and middle classes are stuffed into small homes and flats. In America, people even on moderate incomes can buy big houses with lot of front and back yard and not attached to the next door neighbours. Detached houses should come as standard. Not only they look better but also gives people a bit of privacy from next door. They should no longer be building terraced homes. Far too much of it across the UK. And build decent sized houses. Don't stuff people into prison cell sized bedrooms.

[@kenyat6419]

Well that’s true! I think also the UK is a island so maybe not enough space for many detached homes. The UK is also damp, cloudy and rainy. I went to university there and lived in London flat. I didn’t realize until I came back to the US and really felt the difference

[@fromthefountofyouth]

@@kenyat6419 They can build up a la Manhattan!

[@eagledice2008]

Well America is not like working people cant afford houses here there's a lot of homelessness so I think this is a problem for the countries that don't care about its citizens

[@kayade5305]

@@fromthefountofyouth They do have a lot of high storey flats in the UK...so much that they are now discouraging building up.

[@fromthefountofyouth]

@@kayade5305 But aren't those council houses, with spaces that are so darn small! Which one would understand considering the UK is a small place, but they can build up and make the rooms spacious and actually livable.

[@nighni459]

More kids after seeing the problem.smh

[@seekandyeshallfindit]

Well done to you! Your Dad would be so proud 🖤

[@lsbett]

Thank you Kwajo for doing all this amazing work. I live on a housing estate that is also being run down purposefully so the council can demolish it, resulting in many structural and internal damages and disrepair. I might contact him at some point about this! 💗 I hope people realise that this is a systemic issue and pushes even more people to campaign against these injustices, we can’t continue live like this and think that the government really cares.

[@LekkieLlight]

I'm glad he is highlighting this. Too many people live in these conditions. Disgusting..

[@indiraaiolfi8307]

Your dad would be proud of you! I am. great work. I am sending this to all my pals. The housing system in this country has to change.

[@sarahharbert8944]

Wow! So nice to see a young person making it his mission to want to help others. Fantastic work 😁

[@sdrawkcabUK]

Why are they having kids if where they live is so awful?

[@Jas7cam]

This is horrible! It's the same treatment in the states as well.

[@HeartBreakHigh]

A million thumbs up for this young man and his efforts! 👍🏾👍🏼👍🏿👍🏻👍🏽 Great and very inspiring film! 🙌🏾 Social media being used for something worthwhile for once!

[@eleonorelemonnier9277]

Bravo young man ! I send you plenty of strengh and respect from Saint-Denis, France, where there are more than 80% of social housing. Keep on fighting !

[@unitedgeekdom1]

Buckingham Palace is undergoing a massive and very expensive renovation, estimated to cost a staggering £369 million. Just saying.

[@User-hg1jk]

The monarchy isn’t making the laws. The PM on the other hand is married to the heiress of a billionaire…

[@Chamsiee]

I hope the mum will be able to move out soon. But honestly this story is heartbreaking. The council really does nothing about this matter... Also, what this man is doing is a beautiful tribute to his father. I'm sure he is so proud of him, May he rest in peace.

[@jonrobinson4308]

My flatmate and I are currently in this situation. Before she moved in with me, I had already been in dire straits with the mistreatment by Lewisham Homes (LH) for 25 years. I cannot breathe properly, and my mental and emotional health is being pushed to the brink. Most of my money goes on paint and black mould remover. The heaters do not work and winter is almost here. I have holes in my floor because of the constant water damage. I have talked with so many people at LH, but it falls on deaf ears, or they'll change the Housing Officer and not pass on the relevant information, so I am back to square one.

[@portiagriffey4403]

Keep up the amazing work. Talk about history my uncle campaigned about Liverpool housing in the 70s they wanted to rebuild rather than repair and demolished plenty of housing - then did a complete u-turn when local authority discovered it was cheap to refurbish. Don't they learn any lessons.

[@ragingreviews5186]

Stop paying your rent and council tax if this happens. Make sure you document everything and then you'll fly through court.

[@mmane257]

well done young man.and may your dad rest in peace . from new orleans U.S.

[@michelleduong5812]

Councils can be so negligent. I recently bought a home and they contacted me to instruct me to pay council tax and they couldn't even spell my name right! It was grossly wrong. If they can't even handle data entry, getting better quality homes for all as a standard is wishful thinking.

[@Bogna1]

Do you still need to pay council tax while you have house on freehold?

[@eveww]

Or until Christmas period when they can’t pick up bins because of ‘staff shortages’ but they will have enough staff on standby with lots of parking tickets 🙄

[@MsPeabody1231]

That happened to me three times. I then sent a complaint to the head of the department asking if they had a racial problem with my (real) name. Suddenly my bill was issued in the correctly spelt name....

[@MsPeabody1231]

@@Bogna1 council tax is a local housing tax. Anyone who owns or rents a property has to pay it.

[@lexusgibz2745]

I’m so happy to see you taking a stand like this in the communities!

[@user-kr7ob5wf3q]

This has been happening for years in London, nothing has changed... but on a positive note this is great macro practice by the tiktoker, social media is exposing alot of housing disrepair issues by councils all over

[@KaiusKing]

More people need to watch this! Salute to Kwajo for sharing!

[@beijosparavoce]

This woman absolutely needs to stop having children. Seems like she was trying for a girl.

[@kryptoniteee]

My mums been living in a mouldy housing association house and now has asthma and other breathing related issues due to the mould. She still lives there, I can’t do anything for her and no one listens to her from the council, they just say be grateful you’re not in the street. These council workers have no empathy.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

Oh no I'm in the USA, but if I could I would come and help your mum and do what I had to help her there or find another place of they won't fix it

[@shh_you_are_wrong]

You blame the council workers for having 'no empathy' but admit that you aren't prepared to help your own mother; that is some entitlement.

[@mufasahm8238]

@@shh_you_are_wrong thank youuu

[@TN-ie8kd]

@@shh_you_are_wrong Can you point out where the OP did not said they are not prepared to anything for their mother at all, because I could've sworn I they wrote that they CAN'T DO ANYTHING. You do not know if they are even allowed to do whatever is needed in the property either, as most Tenancy Agreements do not allow even the Tenant to carry out certain works. You also do not know the financial status of the OP and all the things @lardAvMercy stated. It is the Landlords Statutory Duty to carry out repairs to their OWN property and not the tenants. They are paid rent, so the tenant is not living there for free. Accusing others of having no empathy for their own mothers is below the belt and downright callous.

[@TN-ie8kd]

Try calling Shelter on her behalf if you can and they'll call her back. They have their on solicitors and the service is free. All the best

[@itsantique]

Enjoying this doc, I fought 7 - 8 years with the council mold leak from above and damp. It's a lot to go through.

[@psps2034]

She said at 03:35, that she had this mould BEFORE she had her other two children.......WHY? I dont understand. Why did she have more children in that property if she felt the mould was dangerous?

[@catcoffee7958]

I think They are from the current man ,,you know the young and fit ,,and she moans about paying £30 for heating

[@Clearlight3514]

She could be depressed and lonely, low self esteem. She may have felt more kids would help her get out, it’s a disaster for all family.

[@Livbythecode]

@@Clearlight3514 that’s actually disgusting, she’s having kids so they can suffer too. She should’ve been doing better for herself and been stress free as she would have been child free.

[@danielhooper8138]

Just think what it will be like this winter when moars of the people in social housing wont be able to afford to put there heating on. Are the councils going to pay for the heating buills or just blame the uncontrollable situation on the tenants. If this was privet housing the council would be issuing fines. One rule for the council and a compleatly different rule for everyone else.

[@Ghost-ch6ik]

The more kids she has, the more money she gets and housing that’s close to being free! I don’t agree with these conditions but stop putting yourself in these positions

[@drOpdeAdchick1]

Why does one continue to have children in such conditions?... Honestly, how irresponsible is that?

[@christinabaldwin4615]

This treatment of its citizens by the British government is reprehensible. The British people are taxed so deeply it’s painful. Where is that money going?

[@uzraahmed2635]

Well done 👏 young man! You are doing a great job. Things will change when we rise our voice. People deserve better place to live.

[@clairecooper197]

Thank goodness for kind soul’s like Kwajo. ❤️

[@Beccaf1773]

As someone who lives in social housing, the council don't care, we had damp for over 10 years, there was fungus growing under the flooring, the outside wall to the bathroom was wet, mold on the mattresses and we still don't have an extractor fan in our kitchen even though they have said one is meant to be there, and every room had mold over the sealing. We were blamed, we used the cleaners and the paint nothing worked, we were blamed, because we had 2 cats , it wasn't till new people came in to the company they looked in our loft, found that the central heating installer had never put back the loft installation, they found that the inner installation was damp, and finally fixed it but that was in 2019 I've lived in this place with these issues since 2007. They really don't care.

[@lovinglife419]

And the Royal Family has the nerve to ask for more taxpayer money? Disgusting.

[@BABYGIRL4U1]

Fantastic they need to be held accountable. So many people suffering. You are very brave to share your story, so proud of you ❤

[@aliaksandrasaywell3826]

Well done. Housing is poor in the UK indeed. But the prices are sky high.

[@geraldinecharlie1000]

Well done keep it up! This type of exposure is crucial because it will not get better so long as no one exposes it,,your reporting is brave and courageous...From Australia

[@djeiys]

Why making all these kids if you already livin in those conditions that is none sens

[@TheUrbancluckers]

The UK social housing is absolutely appalling 😢. And I highly doubt it will ever change as the UK seems to help everyone else out instead of it’s own 😢 more and more keep coming here for the Benefit system and this tiny island has taken on waaaay more than it can chew. Poor babies suffering Because of wotless councils and lack of government funding 😢

[@joselin2466]

I still don't understand why you have kid after kid, the situation won't get better.

[@mrslondy]

As far as I know Frogmor House stands empty and there are 356 rooms available in Buckingham Palace....

[@HShango]

Private landlords with rented flats & houses in the sector are just monsters on steroids, yes I'm aware a minority of tenants abuse their homes too. But that shouldn't excuse any landlords that should provide a service/ a home for singletons, couples or families (whether they work full time, part time and claim benefits or do not claim benefits at all).

[@PiOfficial]

Minority??? In council homes it’s the majority I’ve seen.

[@TROYW10]

@@PiOfficial your a lier

[@anorbert38]

He doing a better job than MPs who only respond to your complaint when there's a local election. Council and Geedy landlords are useless!!! They should receive hefty fines for neglect!! This is heartbreaking. He's an incredible young man. ❤️

[@ananciataodindo7044]

Am sorry but she should not have more children in this living condition ,I love children and am a mother but would not want to put my children in such condition

[@beyond_horizon_8]

Hammersmith and Fulham are even worse. 16 years in one bedroom with four children. Leak not repaired for months.

[@araja5277]

I would like to see the guardian actually go into that council's department responsible for repairs and where and how the budget is being used if it even is.

[@libertyashby244]

What an amazing young person ❤️