Bristol MP Carla Denyer is demanding action over horrific conditions in Queen’s Court flats where tenants face rising rents, black mould and threats
Queen’s Court issues with mould
Residents of a troubled housing block in Bristol have spoken out about “squalid” living conditions, rent increases and “threats of eviction” – prompting their MP to demand urgent intervention from the property management company.
Carla Denyer, Green MP for Bristol Central, visited Queen’s Court in Clifton and described being appalled by what she saw.
In a letter to property managers City Estates, she urged them to meet with residents “as a matter of urgency” and warned the firm is falling short of its legal obligations.
The block, long criticised for issues including damp, mould and general disrepair, has been a source of concern for Denyer since her time as a local councillor.
Now as MP, she is taking renewed action following direct reports from tenants.
In her letter, Denyer wrote that conditions included “damp, mould and rot; failing pipe work; water leaking into properties; no access to water for days at a time; filthy brown waste water coming up through the plug hole of a bath, and much more.”
She also criticised what she described as “disproportionate” rent increases and reports that some tenants have been threatened with eviction, despite the substandard conditions.
Following her visit, Denyer said: “I was absolutely appalled to see the frankly squalid conditions that residents at Queen’s Court are being forced to live in – and further shocked to hear that despite City Estates failing in their basic duties to make repairs, tenants are being slapped with rent increases.
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“This is completely unacceptable and I’ve written to City Estates to make this clear. I’ve urged them to meet with residents to hear their concerns first hand, as I did, and I will be keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure City Estates meet their obligations.”
Residents’ fears have been exacerbated by the distribution of energy performance certificates and ‘How to Rent’ guides, documents that are legally required before a Section 21 eviction notice can be served. Many see this as a sign that evictions may be imminent.
Carla meeting tenants
Denyer added: “I’m really disappointed that City Estates don’t seem willing to engage properly with the tenants at Queen’s Court. All that these tenants are asking for is a decent place to live at a fair price. I won’t let this matter drop.”
Green councillors Serena Ralston and George Calascione, elected to the area last May, have been actively supporting residents and pressing City Estates for improvements.
Cllr Ralston said: “There is a long history of poor conditions at Queen’s Court. While there have been some repairs, it’s really sad and frustrating to hear from residents that they are still experiencing significant issues, especially when some tenants’ rents are set to rise.
“Residents who have complained are trying to improve poor conditions which have the clear potential to damage their health and their mental wellbeing.
“I am particularly concerned about young families in these properties. Damp and mould are a well-evidenced health hazard to young children.”
Queen’s Court issues with mould
One tenant, who asked not to be named, described living in Queen’s Court as “a fight against mould and water issues”.
Another resident said: “I feel trapped in this place. I won’t invite my friends around out of shame. I’m never happy to come home after a long day. This whole building is made out of depression and black mould and it is exhausting.”
Residents claim City Estates has not agreed to meet with them, despite repeated calls to do so. Bristol Live has contacted City Estates for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
Queen’s Court issues with mould
Bristol City Council commented on the action it had taken to signpost residents or those affected by similar issues.
A spokesperson said: “We issued two Civil Penalty Notices in October 2023 to the owners of Queens Court for non-compliance with licensing conditions and non-compliance with an improvement notice.
“Property licensing schemes give us powers to be able to inspect and investigate properties to make sure homes are being well managed and meet minimum standards. Where this is not the case, we can take appropriate action.
“Following further investigation, further improvement notices have been issued, and we continue to work with tenants to provide advice and support where possible.
“We would advise any tenants experiencing issues to report these to us using our online form or by emailing private.housing@bristol.gov.uk, and we will investigate issues in line with our policies. Tenants should also continue to report repairs and concerns about their homes to the landlord’s agent.”
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