A 37-year-old woman who lives in a bed bug-infested apartment in Northampton has beaten property managers for failing to fix the problem. The lack of action is a “money-saving exercise”.
The unsolicited woman has lived at St. Marks House on Herbert Street for four years and says she is close to moving out due to the problem that has lasted six months so far. The block of flats is operated by Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH).
Bedbugs are small insects that feed on the blood of humans or animals. They can live in your bed, furniture, carpet, clothing, and other items. According to health professionals, they are most active at night and feed on people while they sleep.
register to our daily newsletter
The i newsletter Cut through the noise
“/>The woman wants NPH to fumigate her apartment
Healthline.com says, “Bed bugs can be one to seven millimeters long. They are flat, oval, and reddish brown in color. They don’t have wings, so they rely on animals or humans to carry them.” Place to another.
“While bedbug bites are rarely dangerous, they can be very itchy. In some cases, they become infected or cause an allergic reaction. If you suspect bedbugs are in your home, getting rid of them is important.”
The woman said she tried to get rid of the insects herself but nothing worked and the problem is even causing problems for others in the block.
She said, “It’s a nightmare. Whatever we use isn’t working. I know three other people on the block who have the same problem. I’ve lived here for four years and I’ve never had this problem until now. I prefer to me.” don’t have pets, I would understand if I had them.
“/> St Marks House on the right
“/> St Marks House on the right“They (NPH) say I should pay because I get benefits, but I can’t afford it because I have other bills to pay – the bills never end.
“I had to take medication because I can’t sleep at night. I can’t sleep in my bed or I’ll sleep on the sofa. I don’t mind, but I would like to sleep in my own bed. If that is the case.” is what it takes [going to the newspaper] Get NPH to do something about it, fine.
“I really do not know it [how it began]. It started from above. The man upstairs works and I imagine the beetles have been working their way around the apartments. “
The woman, who is bipolar, said she received a private offer of £ 500 to fumigate her home, but because she only receives £ 600 a month in benefits, she cannot afford to pay for the repairs herself.
She said, “I think what NPH has to do is fumigate the whole block of flats, that would solve the problem, then it’s done.
“NPH is using Covid as an excuse not to come out and get the job done. They also say they don’t deal with pest control. I think this is a money-saving exercise for NPH.
“I just don’t understand why NPH keeps telling me no – I’m paying my rent on time. Ultimately, I can’t pay out that kind of money, especially if it’s theirs. Maybe this story is the kick-up that.” the NPH needs on the back.
“I just want to live in a clean home.”
NPH responded by stating that the leases listed on its website bear the residents’ responsibility for pest control.
Nicky McKenzie, assistant director of housing at NPH, said, “Resolving bed bug and other pest problems is the responsibility of the resident as detailed in our rental agreements and on our website. We are unaware of the problem affecting other residents of the block and our team has spoken to this resident several times for advice on pest control. “
The NPH website states: “In certain circumstances we may offer a free pest control service provided by a licensed contractor. This service is only available if the pest problem affects a common real estate common area such as apartments, beds and maisonettes.
“We don’t provide pest control services to tenants who live in houses or where the pest problem is limited to a single apartment, bed, or maisonette.”
