Northolt Flat Dweller Living with Mould on Every Wall

Council denies claim that her reports have been ignored

Karoon Islaaw, 67. Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon

May 23, 2025

A pensioner living in a “dangerous” Northolt flat claims the council has ignored her calls to address mould problems despite years of asking.

Mrs Karoon Islaaw’s home is plagued by mould in almost every room. In the living room, it spreads in some spots from the ground to the ceiling on almost every wall.

The 67-year-old says she has reported the issues to Ealing Council on numerous occasions, however more recently she claims her calls go “unanswered”. After living in her flat in Academy Gardens for 25 years, she claims it has become “dangerous” because she believes the mould poses a risk to her health.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service [LDRS] Ms Islaaw said, “I called the council around two years ago, they sent someone to come and have a look at the flat, but they didn’t do anything. It’s been seven years since any repairs.

“Sometimes I would have people over, and they see that mould… I don’t like that, I don’t like having people see that in my home. It was actually worse than this, it’s disgusting. Compared to before this actually looks okay, it was that bad.”

She believes the mould problem originates from leaks in her 24th floor flat, poor ventilation and outdated windows. Between the window panes there is evidence of condensation, which indicates the window seal has failed past the point of doing its job properly, which can also allow heat to escape.

Karoon says that even in the summer, because of the windows, her flat can get extremely cold. Only a few weeks ago her radiators broke, forcing her to buy portable heaters.

She said, “The winter is the worst, in winter time we have to have the heating on a lot. Even when the heating is on you can freeze, because of the windows.

“Because I am 67, I can feel the cold worse, because of my age, also my arthritis… I can’t walk much, my bones are sore when I’m colder. It gets complicated.

“I don’t get any help, it can cost a lot to have the heating on a lot. Life isn’t what it used to be like… I don’t even want a new place, I just want the repairs. I don’t have an answer for why they [Ealing Council] didn’t do anything for years.”

Ms Islaaw told the LDRS that she feels at risk from the scale of the mould in the property. She said that the lack of repair or help from Ealing Council meant she had to wipe it away but it simply comes back.

Mould on the ceiling and walls of Karoon Islaaw's flat. Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon

Karoon is currently being supported by Community Lighthouse CiC, a group made up of only four members of staff, proactively working across the city to support people living in dangerous or poor accommodation.

A spokesperson said, “We at Community Lighthouse CiC were deeply saddened to witness the poor living conditions endured by Karoon, an elderly woman who has been living in this state for over four years.

“The level of disrepair was deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for support. We are committed to helping improve her living environment and ensuring she can live with the dignity and safety she deserves.”

An Ealing Council spokesperson said, “We are sorry to hear of the issues that Mrs Islaaw has faced. Our records show that these issues have not been reported to the council, however we have arranged for the local surveyor and a housing officer to make contact with Mrs Islaaw to visit the property and ensure we are offering the right support.

“We encourage residents to make us aware of repair issues by reporting them as soon as possible so we can take the appropriate action. Repairs issues can be reported by calling 020 8825 5682.”

Philip James Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter