A family in Hounslow claims the council is forcing them to move into a home described as a ‘death trap’.

Mum-of-three Debbie Summers has been living in temporary accommodation in Brentford for five years and was recently offered a property in Burns Avenue in Feltham , which she intended to refuse after a viewing revealed it was ‘uninhabitable’.

However, after raising her concerns over the condition of the three-bed house, she was told by Hounslow council officers if she did not accept the offer she would be making herself and her family homeless.

Ms Summers, 30, said: “We have been offered a property after living in temporary accommodation for five years but the home is a death trap.

“The council said we can live in it. I have an autistic son in a special needs school and two other children.

“The council forced the property on me, or [they said] I would make myself homeless. I had to accept the keys.

“It is in need of repairs which are not being done and I have been told a new kitchen and bathroom will be done in two years.”

MP steps in

Ruth Cadbury MP for Brentford and Isleworth, went along with Ms Summers to see the house on July 6.

Ms Cadbury said: “I am very concerned about the condition the house is in, particularly for a family with a disabled child.

“I have raised my concerns with Hounslow Housing and hope that the council and Inquilab (the landlord housing association) will work together to make the house fit for habitation before Debbie is required to give up her current tenancy in Brentford and move to this house.”

However, Hounslow council has claimed work was being carried out at the time of Ms Summers' visit and they have now been completed, bringing the property within the lettings standard.

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Hounslow council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The resident complained that the property was in a state of disrepair and told officers of her intention to refuse the offer.

“Council officers liaised with housing association staff, highlighting the resident’s concerns and received assurances the repairs would be carried out.

“She was advised that all the repairs would be completed with the exception of her request for a new kitchen and bathroom, which will be carried out as part of planned programme of works after she moved in."

'Property never forced on her'

She added: “In view of this information, it was considered that her reasons for wanting to refuse the offer was unreasonable as the property was regarded as being suitable.

“The resident was advised of this and accepted the offer, signing the tenancy agreement on June 30 2016.

“At no point was the resident forced to accept the offer, she was advised of her legal right to request a review of the offer of recommendation on the grounds of suitability.”

The property the resident was given is owned and managed by Inquilab Housing Association.

In neighbouring borough Ealing, a pregnant mum was evicted from her home while in intensive care after the council thought it had been abandoned.

Watch as mum Stacey Harding tells her story of being kicked out of her home.

Video Loading