A watchdog has launched a formal investigation into Haringey Council over its “repeated failures” as a landlord.  

The Housing Ombudsman said it had 13 open cases into reported leaks, mould and damp in Haringey Council’s properties.  

The cases have been classed as “high risk” and the watchdog will investigate whether the persistent complaints are “indicative of wider failings” at the council.  

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"We are very sorry that we have failed our residents in the cases identified by the ombudsman and fallen short on the high standards our tenants should expect and deserve," said Cllr Dana Carlin, Labour cabinet member for housing.

The ombudsman announced on Thursday, January 19, that Haringey Council was one of two landlords who faced investigations over their “persistent poor performance”. 

More than three quarters of damp, mould and leaks complaints about Haringey Council since April 1, 2021, have been upheld. 

“We’ve seen a high number of cases concerning the landlords identified as high risk,” said ombudsman Richard Blakeway. 

“Under the circumstances, I’ve asked my team to expedite these investigations.  

“Other cases with us concern similar issues and may indicate a repeated failing. 

“At the end of the monitoring period we will publish a learning report highlighting any issues we have identified in the cases investigated and make recommendations to the landlords where appropriate.” 

Cllr Dawn Barnes, the Haringey Lib Dems’ housing spokesperson, said the party had been raising concerns over damp and mould in council properties for years. 

“Labour spent millions on their ideological project to insource this service, which could have been spent on tackling the real problems council tenants are facing," she said.

“I hope this announcement will serve as the kick Haringey needs to finally get its house in order.” 

Labour insourced its Homes for Haringey service in June 2022, saying it would improve standards.

Cllr Carlin said her administration remained committed to doing that.

"We must do better and are committed to improving the situation as rapidly as we can," she said.

"We are reviewing all reported cases of condendation, damp and mould from the past two years and putting in additional interventions to address and resolve any outstanding issues.

"We are also reviewing our complaints handling process to ensure issues are resolved quickly and effectively."

*Are you living in a mouldy council property? Contact our investigations reporter by emailing charles.thomson@newsquest.co.uk.